Prudence: Intelligent Self-Control

  

“Prudence is the footprint of wisdom.”_Amos Bronson Alcott

 

For starter, let’s ascertain the definition of prudence from two refined sources.

My first choice is Encarta dictionary, which defines prudence quite comprehensively.

It says prudence is “having good sense in dealing with practical matters, using good judgment to consider likely consequences and acting accordingly, and (being) careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future.”

Furthermore, John Milton, the English poet defined it as, “the virtue by which we discern what is proper to do under various circumstances in time and place.”

As you can see, prudence demands intelligent consideration of threats in the pursuit of opportunities. It is all about the optimal path to take in any situation of life.

True prudence is made of intelligent thinking, proper self-control and wise actions, all of which are fundamental to living the good life.

Prudence is so important that Adam Smith put it as not only one of the three main virtues in life but also the very first one of all as contained his book, ‘The Theory of Moral Sentiments.’

Prudence is one of the most essential principles of success in business and life. It is our guard against self-sabotaging behaviors and our constant nudge towards beneficial means.

The virtue of prudence compels us to investigate every decision carefully, think ahead about what might happen if we were to take a particular course of action, and take intelligent steps to guard against potentials challenges or even setbacks.

Prudence helps us achieve our goals, and prepare for the future by making intelligent short-term choices.

The most successful people are those who are the most prudent in the conduct in all of their personal and business affairs.

It is what enables them to maintain laser-like focus on their long-term vision by wisely dealing with every threat all along the way.  

Without question, if we want to maximize our potential, we need to inculcate the habit of prudence.  

It is an indispensable tool on our journey toward success. And with it, we can protect ourselves against self-limiting temptations in the pursuit of our dreams.

To round up on this subject, let me conclude with the words of Jeremy Collier, an English theologian who rightly said:

“Prudence is a necessary ingredient in all the virtues, without which they degenerate into folly and excess.”