Great affairs

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

There are no small steps in great affairs.

Cardinal De Retz, Memoirs, 1673-6

I think of great legislative initiatives that require intense debate and time. That could be declarations of war, fundamental tax system reform and government social services reform. Rash and awkward completion of great initiatives are borne with problems right away.

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Boldness

From "The Oxford Book of Aphorisms"

In civil business; what first? boldness; what second and third? boldness; and yet boldness is a child of ignorance and baseness.

Sir Francis Bacon, 'Of Boldness', Essays, 1597-1625

Often, the more successful legislators are bold; they are outspoken and aggressive. Does this make it right? True legislation is a pragmatic affair, requiring a thorough understanding of the bill under debate. Negotiation is the outcome of debate. Just the opposite of ignorance and baseness.

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