The highest discretion. It is the throne of reason, the foundation of prudence—by its means success is gained at little cost. It is a gift from above, and should be prayed for as the first and best quality. It is the main piece of the suit of armor, and so important that its absence makes a person imperfect, whereas with other qualities it is merely a question of needing more or less. All the actions of life depend on its application—all require its assistance, for everything needs intelligence. Discretion consists in a natural tendency to the most rational course, combined with a liking for the surest.

THE ART OF WORLDLY WISDOM BY BALTHASAR GRACIAN
TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH JACOBS 1892