Quotes about prudence

Prudence is a rich, ugly, old maid courted by incapacity.

— William Blake

Rashness belongs to youth; prudence to old age.

— Marcus T. Cicero

Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.

— Charles Caleb Colton

There is nothing more imprudent than excessive prudence.

— Charles Caleb Colton

Fortune always fights on the side of the prudent.

— Critias

The prudence of the best heads is often defeated by the tenderness of the best of hearts.

— Henry Fielding

I believe in practicing prudence at least once every two or three years.

— Molly Ivins

Prudence operates on life in the same manner as rule of composition; it produces vigilance rather than elevation; rather prevents loss than procures advantage; and often miscarriages, but seldom reaches either power or honor.

— Samuel Johnson

Prudence is an attitude that keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy.

— Samuel Johnson

I consider it a mark of great prudence in a man to abstain from threats or any contemptuous expressions, for neither of these weaken the enemy, but threats make him more cautious, and the other excites his hatred, and a desire to revenge himself.

— Niccolo Machiavelli

Prudence is the virtue by which we discern what is proper to do under various circumstances in time and place.

— John Milton

He that fights and runs away will live to fight another day.

— Old English Rhyme

It is no less a feat to keep what you have, than to increase it. In one there is chance, the other will be a work of art.

— Ovid

Never speak of a rope in the family of one who has been hanged.

— French Proverb

Nothing can be done quickly and prudently at the same time.

— Publilius Syrus

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.

— Publius Cornelius Tacitus