
“Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.”
“Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.”
The Evolution of A Revolt (1920)
Context: Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex.
“In the last analysis, Russia will do nine-tenths of the job of defeating Germany.”
Prediction made by King when speaking to reporters in Alexandria, Virginia on 30 November 1942. As quoted by Thomas B. Buell in his book Master of Sea Power: A Biography of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (1980), p. 265
1940s
The Problem of China (1922), Ch. XII: The Chinese Character
1920s
“Nine-tenths of wisdom is appreciation. Go find somebody's hand and squeeze it, while there's time.”
Cited in: Colleen Zuck etal. (2002) Daily Word for Families, p. 167
"Lord Bacon", (1837) in Essays 2:183
Attributed
Remark to Lucy Masterman (early 1909), quoted in Lucy Masterman, C. F. G. Masterman (Nicholson and Watson, 1939), p. 150.
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Section 2, paragraph 25.
The Manifesto of the Communist Party (1848)