Baltasar Gracian Quotes - Page 6

Politeness and a sense of honor have this advantage: we bestow them on others without losing a thing.

Surfeits of happiness are fatal.

Wisdom is immortal. She can wait forever, but you cannot.

The hossanas of the multitude can never bring satisfaction to the discerning. Yet there exist those chamaleons of popularity who find their joy, not in the sweet breath of Apollo, but in the smell of the crowd. And not in mind: Do not be taken in by what are miracles to the populace, for the ignorant do not rise above marveling. Thus the stupidity of a crowd is lost in admiration, even as the brain of an individual uncovers the trick.

Some are satisfied to stand politely before the portals of Fortune and to await her bidding; better those who push forward, who employ their enterprise, who on the wings of their worth and valor seek to embrace luck, and to effectively gain her favor.

One deceit needs many others, and so the whole house is built in the air and must soon come to the ground

Two kinds of people are good at foreseeing danger: those who have learned at their own expense, and the clever people who learn a great deal at the expense of others.

We live by information, not by sight.

It is more offensive to outshine in dignity than in personal attractions.

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.

Those who insist on the dignity of their office show they have not deserved it.

Keep expectation alive. Keep stirring it up. Let much promise more, and great deeds herald greater.

Rate the intensive above the extensive. The perfect does not lie in quantity, but in quality.

The crutch of Time accomplishes more than the club of Hercules.

The wise have a solid sense of silence and the ability to keep a storehouse of secrets. Their capacity and character are respected.

You have to appear wiser and more prudent than is required by the people you are dealing with if you want to give a high opinion of yourself.

The heaven of the envied is hell for the envious.

The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.

Luck can be assisted. It is not all chance with the wise.

Leave your luck while still winning.

It is a great deed to leave nothing for tomorrow.

Know how to ask. There is nothing more difficult for some people, nor for others, easier.

When desire dies, fear is born.

Attain and maintain a reputation, for it is the usufruct of fame. A stiff climb, for it is the issue of excellence, as rare as mediocrity is common.

Honorable beginnings should serve to awaken curiosity, not to heighten people's expectations. We are much better off when reality surpasses our expectations, and something turns out better than we thought it would.