It is the part of a wise man to keep himself to-day for to-morrow, and not to venture all his eggs in one basket.

The saying counsels prudence and diversification: a “wise man” preserves resources for the future (“to-day for to-morrow”) rather than staking everything on a single, fragile plan (“all his eggs in one basket”). It frames foresight as a moral and practical virtue—self-restraint now prevents ruin later. The image of eggs underscores how easily a total investment can be lost through one accident, so wisdom lies in spreading risk and keeping reserves. In a broader ethical sense, it also warns against impulsiveness and overconfidence, urging measured action, contingency planning, and an acceptance of uncertainty in human affairs.