Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American Head of State, Lawyer
Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.
—Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) English Political Philosopher
Set the foot down with distrust on the crust of the world—it is thin.
—Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950) American Poet, Playwright, Feminist
To fear the worst, oft cures the worst.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Caution is the parent of safety.
—Common Proverb
Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take example from you.
—Sa’Di (Musharrif Od-Din Muslih Od-Din) (c.1213–91) Persian Poet
Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness.
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
When clouds are seen wise men put on their cloaks.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Those who prepared for all the emergencies of life beforehand may equip themselves at the expense of joy.
—E. M. Forster (1879–1970) English Novelist, Short Story Writer, Essayist
A mousetrap always provides free cheese.
—Unknown
Whenever our neighbor’s house is on fire, it cannot be amiss for the engines to play a little on our own. Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
Overachievement is aimed at people who want to maximize their potential. And to do that, I insist you throw caution to the wind, ignore the pleas of parents, coaches, spouses, and bosses to be “realistic”. Realistic people do not accomplish extraordinary things because the odds against success stymie them. The best performers ignore the odds. I will show you that instead of limiting themselves to what’s probable, the best will pursue the heart-pounding, exciting, really big, difference-making dreams—so long as catching them might be possible.
—John Eliot (b.1971) American Psychologist, Academic
All is to be feared where all is to be lost.
—Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) (1788–1824) English Romantic Poet
They that are on their guard and appear ready to receive their adversaries, are in much less danger of being attacked than the supine, secure and negligent.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
The torment of precautions often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one’s self to destiny.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water.
—Swedish Proverb
Things done well and with care, exempt themselves from fear.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
The torment of precautions often exceeds often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one’s self to destiny.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
There is a significant Latin proverb; to wit: Who will guard the guards?
—Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw) (1818–85) American Humorist, Author, Lecturer
To withdraw is not to run away, and to stay is no wise action when there is more reason to fear than to hope. ‘Tis the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness.
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) American Head of State
Of all the thirty-six alternatives, running away is best.
—Chinese Proverb
He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on his guard.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Don’t dance on a volcano.
—French Proverb
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, and that craves wary walking.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Be vigilant; guard your mind against negative thoughts.
—Buddhist Teaching
Beware the hobby that eats.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
I don’t like these cold, precise, perfect people, who, in order not to speak wrong, never speak at all, and in order not to do wrong, never do anything.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright