Learn to follow the rules before you write them.

The source

"Learn to follow the rules before you write them." Marcus Aurelius said it in Meditations 11.29. Translated by George Long, 1862.

"Neither in writing nor in reading wilt thou be able to lay down rules for others before thou shalt have first learned to obey rules thyself"

George Long, 1862, Meditations 11.29.

Who said it

Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD). Roman emperor who wrote private notes to himself on a military campaign. We know them as the Meditations.

Questions

Who said "Learn to follow the rules before you write them."?

Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD). Source: Meditations 11.29.

What is the original wording?

Neither in writing nor in reading wilt thou be able to lay down rules for others before thou shalt have first learned to obey rules thyself (George Long, 1862). Translated by George Long, 1862.