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1,740. Prudence
"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 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. The world is amazed
with prodigies of excellence, but when wit tramples upon rules,
and magnanimity breaks the chains of prudence."
Johnson: Idler #57 (May 19, 1759)
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