Summary:
This phrase, with its roots dating back to 1711, carries a profound wisdom. It suggests that those who are inexperienced or uninformed often find themselves in situations or actions that the wiser and more cautious individuals, guided by wisdom, would avoid.
Some people act without thinking or planning, leading to unintended consequences that can be potentially dangerous to themselves and others. This underscores the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, reminding us of our responsibility to think before we act.
Article:
How about criticizing a friend by teasing them about their actions? Suggest to them by their actions, only fools rush in. They are not considering the full consequences of their actions. Of course, they will most likely react defensively, even though you only teased with a historic phrase.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fools_Rush_In_(Where_Angels_Fear_to_Tread)
Examples of "fools rush in"
1711, a poem by Alexander Pope, "An Essay on Criticism," "Nor is Paul's church more saft than Paul's church-yard; Nay, fly to Altars; there they'll talk you dead; For fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
https://www.historythroughfiction.com/blog/5-famous-literary-quotes-three
1940, Johnny Mercer song "Fools Rush In." This song was inspired by Pope's poem and covered by various artists, including Rick Nelson, in 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsHFDXKmAU0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvlbV2Rv3sY
1961, Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling In Love," with the opening verse "Wise men only say, only fools rush in."