*“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”*
Did Thatcher ever say this?
I’ve seen it attributed to other famous persons as well; it’s a lovely sentiment, and it fits her character, but it seems like one of those quotes that are somewhat too good.
Are you asking if she ever said it or whether she wrote it?
I can imagine her saying it. I can’t imagine her writing it.
I’m pretty sure it was that Tao chap - Lu Tze or something like that? But I wasn’t sure what the OP was asking.
She did spout a lot of second hand claptrap…
Excellent reply here: Watch Your Thoughts, They Become Words; Watch Your Words, They Become Actions – Quote Investigator®
It appears it was FRANK OUTLAW
Late President of the Bi-Lo Stores
It also appears to have morphed over time.
I would be very surprised if it were. Not his style at all. Lao Tze is all about success through inaction, going with the flow, etc.
The sentiment fits Thatcher better, but the form does not. She was not given to oracular sayings.
It does sound vaguely like something Yoda might have said.
“Watch your destiny, for leads to the Dark Side, it does.”
Agreed. I was thinking it sounded more like something Kongzi would have said.