I beg of you always to dwell upon the necessity of a thorough understanding of principles, in order to stop the vivacity of his mind, and please do not forget to meditate upon the subject of our discussion.
One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.
I won't jump two-footed into something without really thinking about it.
Follow effective action with quiet reflection.
I keep lot of my opinions to myself.
Americans are pragmatic; we want quick, clean, simple solutions to vast problems. The paradox is that we're a deeply confessional culture, but we're not often contemplative.
Still, obviously, one can't be sensible all the time.
Get good counsel before you begin; and when you have decided, act promptly.
The voice of reason is more to be regarded than the bent of any present inclination; since inclination will at length come over to reason, though we can never force reason to comply with inclination.
About things on which the public thinks long it commonly attains to think right.
He who hesitates is sometimes wise.
What is to be once resolved on should be first often well considered.
If you try and cover all your bases, like the ECB tend to do, you end up with muddled decisions.
The advice of friends must be received with a judicious reserve; we must not give ourselves up to it and follow it blindly, whether right or wrong.
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
A resignation is a grave act; never performed by a right minded man without forethought or with reserve.
A page of my journal is like a cake of portable soup. A little may be diffused into a considerable portion.
Doubt everything or believe everything: these are two equally convenient strategies. With either we dispense with the need for reflection.
I don't believe that people should take their own lives without deep and thoughtful reflection over a considerable period of time. (suicide note)
We think-although of course, now, we very seldom Clearly think- That the other side of War is Peace.
One cool judgement is worth a thousand hasty councils.
Our principles are the springs of our actions. Our actions, the springs of our happiness or misery. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in forming our principles.
Prudence never kindled a fire in the human mind; I have no hope for conservation born of fear.
A prudent man should neglect no circumstances.
The wise man is seldom prudent.
