discretion - quotes

William Shakespeare, 1564-1616

was an English poet and playwright

The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have saved my life.

( “Henry IV”, Part I, 1597 - 1598 )

Joseph Addison, 1672-1719

was an English essayist, poet, and politician

There are many shining qualities on the mind of man; but none so useful as discretion. It is this which gives a value to all the rest, and sets them at work in their proper places, and turns them to the advantage of their possessor. Without it, learning is pedantry; wit, impertinence; virtue itself looks like weakness; and the best parts only qualify a man to be more sprightly in errors, and active to his own prejudice. Though a man has all other perfections and wants discretion, he will be of no great consequence in the world; but if he has this single talent in perfection, and but a common share of others, he may do what he pleases in his station of life.