Put all your eggs in one basket and then watch that basket.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Caution has its place, no doubt, but we cannot refuse our support to a serious venture which challenges the whole of the personality. If we oppose it, we are trying to suppress what is best in man—his daring and his aspirations. And should we succeed, we should only have stood in the way of that invaluable experience which might have given a meaning to life. What would have happened if Paul had allowed himself to be talked out of his journey to Damascus?
—Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) Swiss Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Philosopher
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
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
Trust not him that hath once broken faith; he who betrayed thee once, will betray thee again.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, and that craves wary walking.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness.
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) American Head of State
Look twice before you leap.
—Charlotte Bronte (1816–1855) English Novelist, Poet
If one has to jump a stream and knows how wide it is, he will not jump. If he does not know how wide it is, he will jump, and six times out of ten he will make it.
—Persian Proverb
Take a second look … it costs you nothing.
—Chinese Proverb
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 not cowardly. Carelessness is not courage
—Unknown
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
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
Look before you leap; see before you go.
—Thomas Tusser
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
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 chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.
—Alfred Adler (1870–1937) Austrian Psychiatrist
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
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
Of all the thirty-six alternatives, running away is best.
—Chinese Proverb
When clouds are seen wise men put on their cloaks.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
There is, indeed, nothing that so much seduces reason from vigilance, as the thought of passing life with an amiable woman.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
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
Don’t dance on a volcano.
—French Proverb
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
When a fox preaches, take care of your geese.
—Common Proverb
Caution is crediting, and reserve in speaking, and in revealing one’s self to but very few, are the best securities both of a good understanding with the world, and of the inward peace of our own minds.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
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
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
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