I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.

The line balances prudence with optimism: one should make practical preparations for adverse outcomes while refusing to surrender to pessimism. It captures a political temperament often associated with Disraeli—strategic realism paired with a forward-looking confidence meant to steady allies and constituents. As a maxim, it recommends emotional discipline: hope is preserved as a motivating force, but it is not allowed to replace contingency planning. The enduring appeal of the phrase lies in its portability across contexts (personal, financial, diplomatic), offering a concise ethic of resilience without naïveté.