Baltasar Gracian Quotes - Page 5

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.

Many would be wise if they did not think themselves wise.

Exaggeration is a prodigality of the judgment which shows the narrowness of one's knowledge or one's taste.

Deceit comes in through the ears, but usually leaves through the eyes.

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.

Better mad with the rest of the world than wise alone.

Truth is for the minority.

A gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry Yes.

A wise prince must never take things easy in times of peace.

You should avoid making yourself too clear even in your explanations.

All victories breed, and that over your superior is foolish or fatal.

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.

Tis by no means the least of life's rules: To let things alone.

Hope is a great falsifier of truth.

You may be obliged to wage war, but not to use poisoned arrows.

God Himself chasteneth not with a rod but with time.

If there is nothing left to desire, there is everything to fear, an unhappy state of happiness.

Share weight and woe, for misfortune falls with double force on him that stands alone.

Man is born a barbarian, and only raises himself above the beast by culture.

The greatest fool is he who thinks he is not one and all others are.

It requires as much to tell the truth as to conceal it.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

There is none who cannot teach somebody something, and there is none so excellent but he is excelled.

A single lie destroys a whole reputation for integrity.

The best remedy for disturbances is to let them run their course, for so they quiet down.