Epictetus Quotes

I've never been reckless - it's always calculated. I'm mischievous, but I'm calculated.

Congress must not do something just for the sake of doing something. We must carefully and thoughtfully consider the implications of any action and whether that action will help or hinder our ultimate mission of protecting U.S. citizens from terror.

Look ere thou leap, see ere thou go.

Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.

What is needed by him who would succeed in the highest degree possible is careful planning. He is to accumulate reserved power, that he may be equal to all emergencies.

Where men of judgment creep and feel their way, The positive pronounce without dismay.

More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes, when it obeys the watchful eye of caution.

Going to war is a serious matter. And it should be done very carefully and deliberately with clear national interests at stake before the United States or our Commander-in-Chief acts.

I have to take decisions—not back hunches.

Every good businessman or woman carefully analyzes all the available facts before making a decision.

Father was bold, and Mother was cautious. They never shouted at each other but argued constantly about strategy, and they taught me very early that before taking big risks, one must carefully figure the odds.

Don't avoid doing something wondering what its consequences may be. Give it a thought, break it down, and consider what really may happen rather than not do it at all.

I don't do anything unless I think about it six months in advance.

Time and again, players lose because they make rash decisions. Therefore, you always have to remind yourself - don't hurry. Embarking on a risky combination that cannot be calculated to the end is certainly not the right thing to do.

A master looks at every move he would like to make, especially the impossible ones

The time to worry is before you place the bet - not after the wheel is spinning. Once it spins, you forget about it.

What is to be once resolved on should be first often well considered.

Think hard before you begin, then enter the work.

Let every man look before he leaps.

Impulsiveness is not a trait one would choose for a person with the power to launch the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

I would say act like a man of thought and think like a man of action.

Never act without purpose and resolve, or without the means to finish the job.

Impatience is a poor substitute for a well-considered plan.

A rule of thumb for a warrior is that he makes his decisions so carefully that nothing that may happen as a result of them can surprise him, much less drain his power.