Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Meaning: Optimism should be balanced with practical preparation.

Origin: English proverb from the 19th century, roots in Benjamin Disraeli's writings.

Translations

• French: Espérer le meilleur, se préparer au pire (literally: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst)
• Spanish: Espera lo mejor, prepárate para lo peor (literally: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst)
• Japanese: 備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) (literally: If prepared, there is no worry)

More proverbs about Wisdom

• Don't make a mountain out of a molehill — Don't exaggerate small problems.
• The grass withers, but the flower fades — All worldly things are temporary.
• First come, first served — Opportunities go to those who arrive early.
• A fool and his money are soon parted — Foolish people quickly lose their wealth.
• The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is now — The right time to act is always now, no matter how late it feels.
• To know the road ahead, ask those coming back — Learn from people with experience before embarking on an unfamiliar path.

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