ProverbWisdomEnglish origin1833

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Meaning: Optimism should be balanced with practical preparation.

Origin: The earliest known use is in Benjamin Disraeli's novel The Wondrous Tale of Alroy (1833), in the reverse order: "I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best."

Equivalents in Japanese

  • Japanese: 備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) (literally: If prepared, there is no worry)

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