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Of Boldness

[...] There is in human nature generally more of the fool than of the wise;
and therefore those faculties by which the foolish part of men's minds
is taken are most potent. Wonderful like is the case of boldness in
civil business: what first? boldness; what second and third?
boldness. And yet boldness is a child of ignorance and baseness, far
inferior to other parts. But nevertheless it doth fascinate and bind
hand and foot those that are either shallow in judgment or weak in
courage, which are the greatest part; yea and prevaileth with wise men
at weak times. Therefore we see it hath done wonders in popular
states; but with senates and princes less; and more ever upon the
first entrance of bold persons into action than soon after; for
boldness is an ill keeper of promise.

Francis Bacon, "Essays, Civil and Moral"