Baltasar Gracian was a Spanish philosopher who lived during the 17th century. He was a Jesuit priest and a prolific writer, producing philosophical and literary works that were highly influential during the Baroque era. He is best known for his book The Art of Worldly Wisdom, which is still widely read today.
What is the most famous quote by Baltasar Gracian ?
The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.
— Baltasar Gracian
What can you learn from Baltasar Gracian (Life Lessons)
- Baltasar Gracian taught that life should be lived with purpose and moderation, and that it is important to strive for excellence in all areas.
- He also believed that it is important to be mindful of the consequences of our actions and to be aware of our own limitations.
- Finally, he believed that it is essential to maintain a sense of balance and harmony in life, and to strive to be the best version of ourselves.
The most vibrant Baltasar Gracian quotes that are free to learn and impress others
Following is a list of the best quotes, including various Baltasar Gracian inspirational quotes, and other famous sayings by Baltasar Gracian.
Watchfulness is the only guard against cunning.
Be intent on his intentions. Many succeed in making others do their own affairs, and unless you possess the key to their motives you may at any moment be forced to take their chestnuts out of the fire to the damage of your own fingers.
Dreams will get you nowhere, a good kick in the pants will take you a long way.
A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one.
Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.
Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.
He that can live alone resembles the brute beast in nothing, the sage in much, and God in everything.
It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.
Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.
Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.
Wisdom quotes by Baltasar Gracian
The wise have a solid sense of silence and the ability to keep a storehouse of secrets. Their capacity and character are respected.
Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.
To find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
Don't show off every day, or you'll stop surprising people.
There must always be some novelty left over. The person who displays a little more of it each day keeps up expectations, and no one ever discovers the limits of his talent.
Know how to play the card of contempt.
It is the most politic kind of revenge. For there are many of whom we should have known nothing if their distinguished opponents had taken no notice of them. There is no revenge like oblivion, for it is the entombment of the unworthy in the dust of their own nothingness.
One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity.
The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.
It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.
Quotations by Baltasar Gracian that are insight and artistry
Never do anything when you are in a temper, for you will do everything wrong.
Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.
Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.
Better mad with the rest of the world than wise alone.
True knowledge lies in knowing how to live.
At twenty a man is a peacock, at thirty a lion, at forty a camel, at fifty a serpent, at sixty a dog, at seventy an ape, at eighty a nothing at all.
Let the first impulse pass, wait for the second.
Little said is soon amended. There is always time to add a word, never to withdraw one.
Harness the imagination, for she is the whole of happiness.
A wise man learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets.
Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.
A man of honour should never forget what he is because he sees what others are.
When a man's knowledge is deep, he speaks well of an enemy. Instead of seeking revenge, he extends unexpected generosity. He turns insult into humor, ... and astonishes his adversary who finds no reason not to trust him.
Fortunate people often have very favorable beginnings and very tragic endings. What matters isn't being applauded when you arrive - for that is common - but being missed when you leave.
Attempt easy tasks as if they were difficult, and difficult as if they were easy; in the one case that confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it may not be dismayed.
Treat your enemies with courtesy, and you'll see how valuable it really is. It costs little but pays a nice dividend: those who honor are honored. Politeness and a sense of honor have this advantage: we bestow them on others without losing a thing.
A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
The path to greatness is along with others.
It is good to vary in order that you may frustrate the curious, especially those who envy you.
He that has satisfied his thirst turns his back on the well.
Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.
Life is a warfare against the malice of others.
Know how to choose well. Most of life depends thereon. It needs good taste and correct judgment, for which neither intellect nor study suffices.
Know what is evil, no matter how worshipped it may be. Let the man of sense not mistake it, even when clothed in brocade, or at times crowned in gold, because it cannot thereby hide its hypocrisy, for slavery does not lose its infamy, however noble the master.
Know how to use evasion. That is how smart people get out of difficulties.
Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies.
A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.
He who puts off nothing till tomorrow has done a great deal.
Mix a little mystery with everything, for mystery arouses veneration.
Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.
Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.