I read Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography a few months back, mostly because it was available for free as an ebook on my iPod. As one of “those who govern”, I found this little bit of wisdom interesting:
Those who govern, having much business on their hands, do not generally like to take the trouble of considering and carrying into execution new projects. The best public measures are therefore seldom adopted from previous wisdom, but forc’d by the occasion.
It sounds like a more sophisticated way of stating what is now an old corporate-speak cliché: be proactive, not reactive.
Ben was brilliant.
From the wall of the Vermont State House:
That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles and a firm adherence to Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry and Frugality are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of Liberty and keep government free.