Horace Quotes

Wisdom is better than weapons of war.

The strong are saying nothing until they see.

Discretion--humble as it seems, it has often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from it....

What is permitted is not always wise.

There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for.

Every indication of wisdom, taken from the effect, is equally an indication of power to execute what wisdom planned.

Step with care and great tact, and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

You must be wise, but not too wise.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.

I've always believed in having a sense of balance and stealth.

I think we do have to take off the gloves in some areas, but within balance, and at the right time and the right way, and for the right reason and with full understanding of what the consequences of that might be.

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.

Skill is successfully walking a tightrope between the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center. Intelligence is not trying.

At times it is folly to hasten at other times, to delay. The wise do everything in its proper time.

It isn't right to judge strength as better than good wisdom.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

Perfect reason flees all extremity, and leads one to be wise with sobriety.

Anyone who takes the first step without planning the last step should not be allowed in the counsels of war.

There is not only a right thing to do. There is a right time to do it.

They are circumspect to do their actions by advise and councell, and not rashly or inconsiderately

Be prudent in your use of military force to achieve any laudable objective.

Let him remember that many before now have tried to chastise a wrongdoer, and failing to punish their enemy have not even saved themselves; while many who have trusted in force to gain an advantage, instead of gaining anything more, have been doomed to lose what they had. Vengeance is not necessarily successful because wrong has been done, or strength sure because it is confident; but the incalculable element in the future exercises the widest influence, and is the most treacherous, and yet in fact the most useful of all things, as it frightens us all equally, and thus makes us consider before attacking each other.

We have exercised restraint and adopted a wise and sane policy. But this should never be construed as weakness…

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.