Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time

Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was known for his wisdom and foresight in leadership. One of his famous quotes, “Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time,” reflects his belief in the importance of making timely decisions and taking action before it is too late.

In the context of leadership, being wise in time means having the ability to anticipate challenges and opportunities, and making decisions proactively to address them. Roosevelt understood that in order to be an effective leader, one must be able to act decisively and with a sense of urgency when faced with critical situations. Waiting too long to make a decision can often lead to missed opportunities or worsened outcomes.

Roosevelt’s words also emphasize the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. By being wise in time, one can prevent problems from escalating and take advantage of opportunities before they pass. This requires a keen sense of awareness and the ability to assess situations quickly and accurately.

Furthermore, being wise in time requires a willingness to take risks and make tough decisions. It means having the courage to act even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting in one’s instincts and judgment. Roosevelt himself demonstrated this quality in his presidency, making bold decisions such as the construction of the Panama Canal and the establishment of national parks.