Baltasar Gracian
Baltasar Gracian
Baltasar Gracián y Morales, SJ, formerly Anglicized as Baltazar Gracian, was a Spanish Jesuit and baroque prose writer and philosopher. He was born in Belmonte, near Calatayud. His writings were lauded by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche...
NationalitySpanish
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth8 January 1601
CountrySpain
truth-is heard
The truth is generally seen, rarely heard.
dog time men
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.
issues excellence mediocrity
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.
long tire shoulders
Fortune soon tires of carrying anyone long on her shoulders.
air house needs
One deceit needs many others, and so the whole house is built in the air and must soon come to the ground
self self-improvement improvement
Self knowledge is the beginning of self improvement.
sweet taken smell
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.
courage
Knowledge without courage is sterile.
wise wisdom character
The wise have a solid sense of silence and the ability to keep a storehouse of secrets. Their capacity and character are respected.
wise understanding sometimes
Sometimes it proves the highest understanding not to understand.
reputation worldly-wisdom paid
Work is the price which is paid for reputation.
fate men thinking
A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him, than what it has denied.
wisdom people easier
Know how to ask. There is nothing more difficult for some people, nor for others, easier.
writing use synonym
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one.