"Foresight is passive; between it and precaution there is the same difference as between theory and practise.
"Precaution is preeminently active, and it marks its first appearance by means of foresight, but does not stop in this effort until it has rendered foresight productive.
"It is well to foresee, but it is precious to preclude.
"The second part of the act of precaution can, however, only be accomplished after having permitted the brain to register the thoughts which determine the first part of this act."
In order to understand this very subtle difference, but very important one, which classifies these two sentiments, the old sage gives us the following example:
"Let us suppose," he says, "that, on a beautiful day in spring, a man starts out for an excursion which will last until the dawn of the following day.
"If he has common sense, he will say to himself that the sun will not be shining at the time of his return, that the nights of spring are cold, and that this one will be no exception to the rule.
"This is foresight.
"If common sense, with all its consequences, takes possession of him, it will increase his power of reasoning. He will think that, in order to avoid suffering from the change of temperature, it would be well to cover himself with a cloak.
"And, even tho the sun shone, he would not hesitate to furnish himself with this accessory, which in fact will render him the greatest service.