He that is not in the wars is not out of danger.

He that is not in the wars is not out of danger.

You can chose to avoid a conflict but the outcome might affect your interests and safety in any case.

This saying is warning us of the danger of sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring problems we are not immediately connected with. Conflicts have a habit of spreading and engulfing those who do not wish to get involved. Sometimes it is better to "take action against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them" as Shakespeare said.

It is an observation that can be applied to many situations and not just wars. Everyone has problems, disputes and difficulties, and it is sometimes better to tackle them head on rather than waiting for the tide to be lapping at your doorstep before taking action. It is all part of the idea of being prepared and practicing prevention.

The current hot topic is global warming and we are being urged to do something before catastrophe strikes. The natural tendency is not to worry about dangers that seem a long way off, after all we could spend all our time worrying about the many possibilities of disaster that could happen. It is necessary to find out the facts before make a judgment on the strength of potential harm and act accordingly.

Those of a worried disposition are often told: "Cheer up! It might never happen." But what if it does?

Small faults let in greater.

Small faults let in greater.

This saying sounds suspiciously like the Great Granddaddy of the zero tolerance policy!

Breaking small rules is the slippery slope to a momentum that can send you hurtling to disaster. The child who discovers that they can get away with dropping litter, swearing at parents and bullying small kids will grow in confidence that they are smart and above the law.
The buzz from petty crimes will soon lessen and those desiring bigger kicks will seek to challenge authority more and more. They graduate through the ranks of crime and when it is too late the inevitable confrontation with the police happens and they get banged up. In prison they run the risk of being further brutalized and emerging as hardened criminals who can only think of bigger and better crimes as a way of getting on.

Regular, fair discipline is the only way to train the human mind to follow the rules and find a constructive path to success and happiness. As a sapling is inclined so will the tree grow.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Looking at a disaster and wishing it hadn't happened is not very helpful. If you were the cause all the excuses in the world won't put it right. Crying over spilt milk doesn't put it back in the pail. The best you can do is learn from the experience and resolve never to let it happen again.

This leads you to the idea of prevention. That is to stop something from happening by anticipating the problem and taking steps to avoid it. Using foresight or looking ahead is a good habit to cultivate. Many mothers acquire this naturally and foresee the dangers likely to confront their children and plan ahead to protect them before disaster strikes. But it applies to all peoples of all ages - we should anticipate problems and dangers for ourselves and others. Our actions might lead to friends or strangers suffering loss or accidents and we have a moral duty to avoid this.

There are many associated sayings with this idea. Look before you leap. Forewarned is forearmed. Who hinders not a mischief is guilty of it. Remember: an accident foreseen is an accident you can avoid.