The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
—Thucydides
The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright, Poet, Author
The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.
—Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) Dutch Painter
No one is worthy of a good home here or in heaven that is not willing to be in peril for a good cause.
—John Mason Brown (1900–69) American Columnist, Journalist, Author
It is the business of the future to be dangerous…. The major advances in civilization are processes that all but wreck the societies in which they occur.
—Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) English Mathematician, Philosopher, Logician
There is often less danger in the things we fear than in the things we desire.
—John Churton Collins (1848–1908) English Literary Critic
It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.
—Aesop Greek Fabulist, Writer
Constant exposure to dangers will breed contempt for them.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) Roman Philosopher, Political leader, Dramatist
An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Dramatist, Short Story Writer, Journalist, Writer
We cannot banish dangers, but we can banish fears. We must not demean life by standing in awe of death.
—David Sarnoff (1891–1971) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
Don’t play for safety. It’s the most dangerous thing in the world.
—Hugh Walpole (1884–1941) English Novelist, Short Story Writer, Dramatist
A man’s opinion of danger varies at different times according to his animal spirits, and he is actuated by considerations which he dares not avow.
—Tobias Smollett (1721–71) Scottish Poet, Novelist, Author
A timid person is frightened before a danger; a coward during the time; and a courageous person afterward.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, Humorist
If we are intended for great ends, we are called to great hazards.
—John Henry Newman (1801–90) British Catholic Clergyman, Hymn writer, Poet
Decide which is the line of conduct that presents the fewest drawbacks and then follow it out as being the best one, because one never finds anything perfectly pure and unmixed, or exempt from danger.
—Niccolo Machiavelli