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Prudence operates on life in the same manner as rules on composition: it produces vigilance rather than elevation, rather prevents loss than procures advantage; and often escapes miscarriages but seldom reaches either power or honor. It quenches that ardor of enterprise by which every thing is done that can claim praise or admiration; and represses that generous temerity which often fails and often succeeds. Rules may obviate faults, but can never confer beauties; and prudence keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1759-05-19), The Idler, No. 57

More about this quote: wist.info/johnson-samuel/2133/

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Johnson, Samuel - Essay (1759-05-19), The Idler, No. 57 | WIST Quotations

Prudence operates on life in the same manner as rules on composition: it produces vigilance rather than elevation, rather prevents loss than procures advantage; and often escapes miscarriages but seldom reaches either power or honour. It quenches that ardour of enterprise by which every thing is done that can claim…

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WIST Quotations moves again!Jan 5, 2023

A quotation from La Bruyere, Jean de:

«««««
It’s a sign of considerable shrewdness to be able to make others think one is not exceptionally shrewd.
[C’est avoir fait un grand pas dans la finesse, que de faire penser de soi que l’on n’est que médiocrement fin.]
»»»»»

Full quote, sourcing, notes:
https://wist.info/la-bruyere-jean-de/2332/

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The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 8 "Of the Court [De la cour]," § 85 (8.85) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)] - La Bruyere, Jean de | WIST Quotations

It's a sign of considerable shrewdness to be able to make others think one is not exceptionally shrewd. [C'est avoir fait un grand pas dans la finesse, que de faire penser de soi que l'on n'est que médiocrement fin.] (Source (French)). Alternate translations: He is far gone in politicks, who…

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