Quotes on “Discretion”

Discretion

…begins by reaching a well-researched decision regarding what is appropriate and what is inappropriate in a given situation, and then acts to choose only the appropriate words and actions.

“Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.”
			Francis Bacon 1561-1626, British Philosopher, Essayist, Statesman

“Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.”
			Jean De La Fontaine 1621-1695, French Poet

“Be advised what thou dost discourse of, and what thou maintainest whether touching religion, state, or vanity; for if thou err in the first, thou shalt be accounted profane; if in the second, dangerous; if in the third, indiscreet and foolish.”
			Sir Walter Raleigh                                                                                                                    1552-1618, British Courtier, Navigator, Writer

“Discretion is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice.”
			Source Unknown

“If we look into communities and divisions of men, we observe that the discreet man, not the witty, nor the learned, nor the brave, guides the conversation, and gives measure to society.”
			Joseph Addison

“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
			The Holy Bible Proverbs 11:22

“A sound discretion is not so much indicated by never making a mistake as by never repeating it .”
			Christian Nestell Bovee

“There are many more shining qualities in the mind of man, but there is none so useful as discretion.”
			Joseph Addison

“Even in a hero’s heart discretion is the better part.”
				Charles Churchill

“Let your own discretion be your tutor; suit the action to the word, the word to the action.”
			William Shakespeare

“Discretion is the salt, and fancy the sugar of life; the one preserves, the other sweetens it.”
			Christian Nestell Bovee

“Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.”
			Jean de La BruyĨre

“Sometimes we meet a fool with wit, never one with discretion.”
			François de la Rochefoucauld 1613-1680, French classical author, leading exponent of the Maxima