Caution Quote by Baltasar Gracian
“No one demands more caution than a spy, and when someone has the skeleton key to minds, counter him by leaving the key of caution inside, on the other side of the keyhole.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia, 1647
Caution is a safeguard; to protect it, place it where it cannot be easily accessed, like a key left beyond the keyhole.
In simple terms: Guard caution by keeping it out of easy reach.
Protect your judgment by not over‑exposing it.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- security work
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When might openness be more valuable than caution?
- How do you balance vigilance with trust?
Too much secrecy can breed paranoia and mistrust.