166 



'J'he other probabilities should ulso be exainiifed, but cavi" 

 not be so accurately estimated or calculated. 



Frudence then, which is nothing more than practical wis- 

 dom, is the surest guide to happiness ; by it we guard 

 against future wants, ensure future advantages, avoid future 

 dangers, and dechne from whatever may probably be de- 

 structive of the former, or productive of the latter. It re- 

 quires that in all cases of delicacy or moment, the safer al- 

 ternative should be chosen, though the least probable, in 

 preference to the most probable, if the failure of this would 

 be attended with any important danger or loss.* So also, 

 if the success of the least probable would be attended with 

 advantages of greater importance than the danger or loss aris- 

 ing from the failure of the most probable alternative -f- 



It also demands a cautious and discreet selection of the 

 means, order, time and circumstances best suited to the at- 

 tainment of the desired end. 



Imprudence consists in acting with precipitation, inattention, 

 to probabilities, presumption, rashness, indiscretion, want of 

 caution, neglect of that estimation and comparison above re- 

 commended, inconstancy and levity, altering from inadequate 

 causes, resolutions already formed, &c. 



I now 



* On this principle the practice of insurance is founded. 



f This was the practice of Suwarrow, and other great generals. 



