Because the Romans did in these instances what all prudent…
““Because the Romans did in these instances what all prudent princes ought to do, who have to regard not only present troubles, but also future ones, for which they must prepare with every energy, because, when foreseen, it is easy to remedy them; but if you wait until they approach, the medicine is no longer in time because the malady has become incurable; for it happens in this, as the physicians say it happens in hectic fever, that in the beginning of the malady it is easy to cure but difficult to detect, but in the course of time, not having been either detected or treated in the beginning, it becomes easy to detect but difficult to cure. This it happens in affairs of state, for when the evils that arise have been foreseen (which it is only given to a wise man to see), they can be quickly redressed, but when, through not having been foreseen, they have been permitted to grow in a way that every one can see them, there is no longer a remedy””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early preparation prevents crises; neglect leads to irreversible damage, like untreated illness that becomes incurable.
In simple terms: Plan ahead to avoid irreversible problems.
Key Takeaway
Prevent crises through foresight.
Themes
preparation
crisis
prevention
timing
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- business planning
- personal health
Key Concepts
political strategy
risk management
health analogy
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks can you foresee and mitigate?
- How does delayed action worsen problems?