"Fools rush in through the door; for folly is always bold. The same simplicity which robs them of all attention to precautions deprives them of all sense of shame at failure. But prudence enters with more deliberation. Its forerunners are caution and care; they advance and discover without danger. Every rush forward is freed from danger by caution, while fortune sometimes helps in such cases. Step cautiously where you suspect depth. Sagacity goes cautiously forward while precaution covers the ground. Nowadays there are unsuspected depths in human intercourse, you must therefore cast the lead at every step." - Balthasar Gracian's "The Art of Worldly Wisdom"
The brave make all preparation for feats of daring whereas the fool rushes into the fray, unaware and uncaring of what might be met with. The cunning intelligence of an Odysseus serves the individual whatever his adventure; be it in warfare or business, discourse or romance, - caution in the doing and precaution in the anticipating sees you through and the exploit through to success.