Thomas a Kempis Quotes

I am really cautious about what I say and do.

I'm careful, controlled, bodily conservative: if someone offered me a pill I'd only ever take a half.

I'm smart enough to know, 'Don't try and make any headlines.'

Discretion is a very valuable asset.

Caution is the daughter of circumspection, but she tends to outgrow her mother.

The eye of prudence may never shut.

The constancy of the wise is only the art of keeping disquietude to one's self.

I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual now-a-days to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot

It is only the young and callow and ignorant that admire rashness. Think before you speak. Know your subject.

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or all he sees.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

Notable talents are not necessarily connected with discretion.

It may be taken for granted that, rash as Americans usually are, when they are prudent, there is good reason for it.

Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.

Be wiser than other people if you can, but do not tell them so.

It is well for one to know more than he says.

I really believe my greatest service is in the many unwise steps I prevent.

Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.

Silence is true wisdom's best reply.

If the impulse to daring and bravery is too fierce and violent, stay it with guidance and instruction.

The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability.

It is safe to make a choice of your thoughts, scarcely ever safe to express them all.

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.

Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.