Maxim Monday: Exercise Prudence

Who’s Prudence? And why isn’t she getting any exercise? Ahem. In all seriousness prudence is one of those words that I recognize and know what it means without being able to actually define it. So I looked it up: Prudence is the quality of caution or discretion in everyday matters.

This maxim seems to contain many of other maxims within it: Controlling oneself, helping your friends, obeying the laws, controlling anger, all of these might be considered parts of prudence. Other qualities involved might also include taking care of what needs attention in one’s home and occupation, honoring deities or observing a spiritual practice, paying the bills on time, making sure important tools (like a car, perhaps) is in safe working order. Above all practicing mindfulness in each and every task might be the most prudent thing of all. This way you spend neither too much nor too little: be it money or time on the internet. The water doesn’t boil over. The kids get lunch when they need it.

Not a very sexy maxim. Mostly it’s a reminder to have common sense and pay attention. On that note: off to plan meals for the week and go grocery shopping.