Frederick the Great Quotes

It is a good thing to learn caution from the misfortunes of others.

History counsels caution.

The ancients called happy those who learned caution from the danger of others...as wax receives its impression from a seal, so the character of human life is shaped by example

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

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

Take the word of experience, I speak the truth: inaction is safest in danger.

it is stupidity rather than courage to refuse to recognize danger when it is close upon you.

My gran'ther's rule was safer 'n 'tis to crow: Don't never prophesy — onless ye know.

I've lived long enough to have learned, the closer you get to the fire, the more you get burned.

The bird alighteth not on the spread net when it beholds another bird in the snare. Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take example from you.

Caution is the eldest child of wisdom.

It is a wise man who knows where courage ends and stupidity begins.

Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.

Know when to speak - for many times it brings danger, to give the best advice to kings.

Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others?

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

Don't taunt the alligator until after you've crossed the creek.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

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

The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and must therefore be treated with great caution.

I believe there's no proverb but what is true; they are all so many sentences and maxims drawn from experience, the universal mother of sciences.

The scars of others should teach us caution.

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

When in doubt, don't.

Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.