Don’t dance on a volcano.
—French 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
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
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
Beware the hobby that eats.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
There is a significant Latin proverb; to wit: Who will guard the guards?
—Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw) (1818–85) American Humorist, Author, Lecturer
Caution is not cowardly. Carelessness is not courage
—Unknown
Take a second look … it costs you nothing.
—Chinese Proverb
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, 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
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
Caution is the parent of safety.
—Common 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
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
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
Of all the thirty-six alternatives, running away is best.
—Chinese Proverb
Look before you leap; see before you go.
—Thomas Tusser
Look twice before you leap.
—Charlotte Bronte (1816–1855) English Novelist, Poet
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
He that is overcautious will accomplish but very little.
—Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) German Poet, Dramatist
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
A mousetrap always provides free cheese.
—Unknown
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
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
It is well to learn caution by the misfortunes of others.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
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
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
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
When a fox preaches, take care of your geese.
—Common Proverb
Put all your eggs in one basket and then watch that basket.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist