Weighing foresight with due diligence and the precautionary principle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate with examples the prudence of using or not using ample precautions before launching a strategy or plan of foresight. Design/methodology/approach – A series of practical episodes illustrate the effects of predetermined care and precaution, or their absence, in different fields of human endeavour. Findings – With foresight and determination, pondered safeguards may spell out beforehand the success or failure of an undertaking. Research limitations/implications – According to the span and scope of available historical experience, getting the future right often seems more difficult than getting it wrong, Originality/value – Planners, strategists and designers should profit from the types of cases reviewed to ensure the solidity of their procedural foresight today for its implementation tomorrow.