Robert Herrick Quotes

The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed.

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

Discretion is a very valuable asset.

Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is invariably more important than opening it at the right time.

Swift calls discretion low prudence; it is high prudence, and one of the most important elements entering into either social or political life.

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

All truth is not to be told at all times.

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.

I've learned people are watching, so don't do nothing stupid.

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.

Not every truth is the better for showing its face undisguised; and often silence is the wisest thing for a man to heed.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Mind your speech a little lest you should mar your fortunes.

I have a lot of faith in President Obama. The thing that seems to be true of him is that he doesn't speak when you would expect him to speak. He's very measured in his response to things. He likes to get all the facts first before he shoots his mouth off. It makes me crazy; it makes a lot of people crazy.

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

You know, I have found out in the course of a long public life that the things I did not say never hurt me.

Princes need, in tender matters and ticklish times, to beware what they say.

You've got to know when to keep your mouth shut. The Senate's the cruelest judge in the world. A man's a fool to talk to other fellows about any subject unless he knows more about that subject than they do.

It is a sad thing when men have neither the wit to speak well, nor the judgment to hold their tongues.

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....

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.

What is permitted is not always wise.

There are limits beyond which your folly will not carry you.

Tis better to sit there and look the fool, than to open your mouth and prove it.

All persons are not discreet enough to know how to take things by the right handle.