I do not admire the excess of a virtue like courage unless I see at the same time an excess of the opposite virtue, as in Epaminondas, who possessed extreme courage and extreme kindness. We show greatness not by being at one extreme, but by touching both at once and occupying all the space in between.

Meaning: Cowardice is pictured as avoiding being noticed, especially where a person does not want an action or refusal scrutinised. The saying can question evasiveness, but choosing privacy or feeling afraid does not by itself establish cowardice or wrongdoing.

Meaning: A person who begins behind others may still obtain the desired result. The trailing-dog image leaves room for changed circumstances and a later opportunity, without guaranteeing a reversal or making preparation and timely action irrelevant.

Meaning: A valued occasion can be honoured by a worthwhile action. The saying connects the significance of a day with what someone does on it, without making good deeds depend on a special date or deciding which occasions everyone must value.

Meaning: Decisive action can create opportunities that hesitation misses. Courage may help someone benefit from an opening, though it cannot control luck or guarantee success.