Caution Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“A man's profundity may keep him from opening on a first interview, and his caution on a second; but I should suspect his emptiness, if he carried on his reserve to a third.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays on the Art of Being, 1820
Excessive reserve in early interactions can signal emptiness; genuine openness grows with time, revealing true character.
In simple terms: Too much caution early on may hide emptiness; openness shows character.
Key Takeaway
Balance caution with authenticity to build trust.
Themes
relationships
communication
trust
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- first dates
- job interviews
- team introductions
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your reserve say about you?
- When is it appropriate to be fully open?
A Different Perspective
Over‑caution can be misread as disinterest.
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
![“[U]se extreme caution, and please remember that 451 degrees Fahrenheit is more than just a book a title…” quote by Ammon Shea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/361/ammon-shea-38017_books_u-se-extreme-caution-and-please-remember_36287.jpg)
