Have sound judgement. Some are born wise and with this natural advantage enter upon their studies with half their journey to success already mastered. With age and experience their reason ripens, and thus everything whimsical as leading prudence astray, especially in matters of state, where certainty is so necessary, owing to the importance of the affairs involved. Such people deserve to stand at the helm of government either as navigators or helmsmen.

THE ART OF WORLDLY WISDOM BY BALTHASAR GRACIAN
TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH JACOBS 1892