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In either case, it could only have helped! I have friends who read The Prince like a bible, and its true that Machiavelli is worthy of repeated study, both as a period piece and window into the Renaissance Italian soul, and as possibly the most notorious treatise on Realpolitik ever written.

Machiavelli, like Nietzsche, has been misused by the unscrupulous and decried by the ignorant; also, IMHO, both writers were actually better historians and analysts than they were philosophers per se. Baltasar Gracian, in the Pocket Oracle, has accomp I have friends who read The Prince like a bible, and its true that Machiavelli is worthy of repeated study, both as a period piece and window into the Renaissance Italian soul, and as possibly the most notorious treatise on Realpolitik ever written. Baltasar Gracian, in the Pocket Oracle, has accomplished what Niccolo never could, nor would have wanted to: The lessons are pithy and epigrammatic, both simple yet deserving of deep reflection and consideration and, most importantly, are eminently USEFUL in almost every interpersonal interaction in your day to day life, whether you are a dish washer or a senator -- his teachings are that universal.

Robert Greene strip-mined Gracian for 48 Laws of Power, but again IMHO, it's always best to refer back to the seminal source even after being presented with as good a digest as Greene presented. This is the Penguin edition, so you of course have the value added of their wonderful introductions, with historical references anchoring Gracian's life and the impact of the Oracle itself.

Also, this translation is, I feel, much better than those I've seen marketed under the variant title Art of Worldly Wisdom. I read this book everyday. I recommend it to every man woman or child that wants to live their very best. Gracian was one of the wisest men who ever lived, and this is the free distillation of his wisdom.

Astonishing how true Garcian's aphorisms remain hundreds of years later and how much the culture of Spain at the time seems so modern A work to study and be studied again and again. This is timeless in its wisdom--I would add I don't agree with everything he says and that although he can be spiritual at times, this is a guide of "Worldly Wisdom" and something that as a Jesuit priest he was sometimes condemned for this worldlyness Much on the same level of "Art of War" by Sun Tzu. View all 5 comments. I'm a little surprised by some ratings of this book.

I understand that this isn't a book that you exactly "critique" because it's a renown oracle from the 17th century. A lot of the advice gears toward deception, vanity, and greed: You will shield yourself fro I'm a little surprised by some ratings of this book. You will shield yourself from malevolence: Having someone else take the blame for failure and be the butt of gossip does not spring from a lack of ability, as malice thinks, but from superior skill.

Not everything can turn out well, and you can't please everyone. So look for a scapegoat, someone whose own ambition will make him a good target. And a wise person understands that mistakes are made and that they, themselves, are not perfect. I'd rather be wary of a person who would put blame on me rather than be the blamer. Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem.

To excel and to know how to show it is to excel twice. What is invisible might as well not exist. Reason itself is not venerated when it does not wear a reasonable face. Those easily duped outnumber the prudent. Deceit reigns, and things are judged from without, and are seldom what they seem. A fine exterior is the best recommendation of inner perfection. And the focus is merely on aesthetic rather than essence.

The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Illustrated) eBook: Balthasar Gracian: theranchhands.com: Kindle Store

Seem this way, even if you're not that way. This oracle is street-wise and takes the definition of "wisdom" to a place that seems wise, but in essence, is not very "virtuous" in my opinion. Also, understand that this has been translated by many different people. I own Martin Fischer's translation and when I opened it up to read it, it made no sense to me grammatically or syntactically. Martin Fischer, I presume, is a literalist translator, for Gracian did have that difficult-to-understand writing style where sentences were incomplete and there was a severe lack in verbs.

So, if you want to get someone's more understandable translation, Christopher Maurer is the translator you want. View all 3 comments. This is one of the great books of wisdom, dispensed in brief paragraphs with headings like "better to be intensive than extensive," and "reserve is the seal of talent. You need to be ready for it to throw something unfair, unexpected, or unpleasant back at you.

It's perhaps comforting to know that the book was written years ago, a This is one of the great books of wisdom, dispensed in brief paragraphs with headings like "better to be intensive than extensive," and "reserve is the seal of talent. It's perhaps comforting to know that the book was written years ago, and the world is still pretty much the same now as it was then.

Others argue the opposite. Well-spent leisure is worth more than work. We have nothing of our own but time. Gracian's Art of Worldly Wisdom is a collection of maxims containing excellent, practical advice; very Senecan, and, at times, Machiavellian in sentiment but much more "Know a little more and live a little less. Gracian's Art of Worldly Wisdom is a collection of maxims containing excellent, practical advice; very Senecan, and, at times, Machiavellian in sentiment but much more applicable than The Prince.

Personally, I noted around 50 which I would consider essential to read in their entirety, as well as many, many more containing nuggets of gold; for a collection of , there is an impressive amount of quality. We are born to know and to know ourselves, and books reliably turn us into people. Let the third stage be spent entirely with yourself: Entre varias de las ideas se puede subrayar el dar una apariencia coherente, el hablar lo necesario, reflexionar bien, rodearse de amigos y nunca excederse en el trato.

It did not respect many thing. He had the arrogance of those which know their talent. Many celebrate her, but few visit her. Some follow her until things get dangerous. In danger, the false disown her and politicians cunningly disguise her. Clever people spin suble sophistries and speak of their laudable "higher motives" or "reasons of security," but the truly faithful person considers deceit a sort of treason, is prouder to be steadfast than clever, and is always found on the side of truth. If he differs with others, it isn't because of any fickleness of his own, but because other have abandoned the truth.

He who places himself with firm conviction on the side of justice can never be overcome by violent protest of by a screaming mob. His reason holds him strongly to his stance. Guard your integrity fiercely. Very few are willing to dedicate themselves wholly to the case of true justice, while many pretend to.

Politicians may cry out in favour of it, but in the end betray it. An authentically honest man however, will not change his loyalty in a fickle manner, nor commit treasonous acts. Rather he will align himself with truth wherever it resides. Always on the side of reason, with such strength of purpose that neither common passion nor tyrannical violence will ever compel him to cross the line of reason.

But who shall be this Phoenix of justice? Many praise her, but not in their own house; others follow her even into danger; in it the false deny her, politicians disguise her. She does not worry about combating friendship, power, or even her own self-interest, and herein lies the problem of denying her. The astute make plausible metaphysical distinctions so as not to offend, either superior reason, or that of the state; but the constant man judges this pretense a type of treason; integrity takes greater pride in tenacity than in cleverness; finds herself where truth is found; and if she leaves individuals, it is not of her own doing, but theirs in leaving her first.

Dodds of McGill University for lending me a PDF copy of this version To know how to draw advantage from Enemies All things are to be taken, not by the Blade, which may hurt, but by the handle, which is the way for defence. And upon better reason envy.

The wise Man draws more advantage from his Enemies, than the fool does from his Friends. The envious are as a spur to the wise man to make him surmount a thousand difficulties: Many owe their fortune to their enviers. Flattery is more cruel than hatred, as in as much as it palliate the faults, which the other makes us to remedy. The wise man makes the Hatred of his Enviers his looking-glass, wherein he sees himself far better than in that of kindness. That looking-glass helps him to correct his faults which he corrects, and thereby prevents back-biting.

For men keep upon a strict close guard, where they have rivals, or Enemies for Neighbours. Benskin, at Lincolns-Inn Back-Gate To know how to draw Advantage from Enemies All things are to be taken by the best Methods; not by the Blade, which may hurt, but by the Handle, which is the way to avoid cutting one's Fingers. After this manner, you may be familiar with Envy. Whereas Flatters many times diver him. Many owe their Fortune to their Enviers. Flattery is more cruel than Hatred, in as much as it palliate the Faults, which the other makes us to remedy. That Looking-Glass helps him to correct his Faults, and consequently prevents Backbiting.

For Men are apt to keep upon a strict Guard, where they have either Rivals, or Enemies for Neighbours. To the wise man his enemies are more useful than his friends to the foolish one. Make use of your enemies. You should learn to seize things not by the blade, which cuts, but by the handle, which saves you from harm: A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends. Their ill-will often levels mountains of difficulties which one would otherwise not face.

Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies. Flattery is more dangerous than hatred, because it covers the stains that the other causes to be wiped out. The wise will turn ill-will into a mirror more faithful than that of kindness, and remove or improve the faults referred to. Caution thrives well when rivalry and ill-will are next-door neighbors.

You should learn to seize things not by the blade, which cuts, but by the handle, which saves you from harm - especially with the doings of your enemies. A wise person gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends. Their ill will often levels mountains of difficulties that one would otherwise not face. The wise will turn ill will into a mirror more faithful than that of kindness, and remove or improve the faults referred to. Caution thrives well when rivalry and ill will are next-door neighbors.

Know how to profit through your enemies. Learn how to grasp a thing, not by its blade which cuts, but by its hilt, which protects: To a wise man, his enemies avail him more, than to a fool, his friends. Evil intent often levels a mountain of difficulty, which the best intent in the world could not hope to climb over. Many have been made through the greatness of their enemies.

Far more to be feared is flattery, than hate, since this exposes the flaws which flattery would conceal. The man who knows makes a mirror of spite, more faithful than the mirror of affection, and envisages his shortcomings, to correct them, for prudence grows apace, when it must live against rivalry, or malevolence. For more to be feared is flattery, than hate, since this effaces the flaws, which flattery would conceal.

The man who knows makes a mirror of spite, more faithful than the mirror of affection, and foresees his shortcomings, or corrects them, for prudence grows apace, when it must live against rivalry, or malevolence. No matter how keen they are, you can make them serve you, if you deal with them properly, like a knife when you grasp it by the handle instead of the blade. Fear of their enemies keeps wild animals alert, and makes men build up their strength. Friends who gloss over your weaknesses render you a disservice; the true measure of your power is your enemies.

Match your strength against theirs, and they will be helpful to you. Lincoln met Douglas in the arena of public debate and on his rival's shoulders climbed to national recognition. Walton - page , The Oracle: You should know how to take hold of everything, not by the blade, which wounds, but by the hilt, which protects; and this is more especially true of envy. Enemies are of more use to the wise man than friends are to the fool.


  • O Say Can You See;
  • French (1685).
  • LES ECRITURES SATANIQUES Le corpus de lApocalypse: 16 (Camion Noir) (French Edition).

Malice is wont to level mountains of difficulties, upon the scaling of which goodwill would hesitate to embark. Many owe their greatness to their malicious critics. Flattery is more deadly than hatred because it conceals those flaws for which hatred prompts us to find an efficacious remedy. The wise man turns spite into a mirror more faithful than that of affection, ancl he either forestalls the detraction aroused by his failings, or amends them; for extreme caution is required when one lives on the frontier of envy and malice.

Take things not by the blade, which wounds, but by the hilt, which protects. Do so particularly when dealing with rivals. A prudent man profits more from his enemies than a fool from his friends. Malevolence usually levels mountains of difficulties which would rebuff the seeker of a favor because there is no obstacle too high to keep malevolence away. Many have the greatness made for them by their enemies: The prudent man makes of spite a mirror more faithful than that of affection, and remedies the faults it shows him.

Prudence prospers when it lives in front of rivalry and malevolence. Grasp things not by the blade, which will harm you, but by the hilt, which will defend you. The same applies to emulation. The wise person finds enemies more useful than the fool does friends. Malevolence often levels the mountains of difficulty that favor made fearful. Many owe their greatness to their enemies. Flattery is fiercer than hatred, for hatred corrects the faults flattery had disguised. The prudent man makes a mirror out of the evil eye of others, and it is more truthful than that of affection, and helps him reduce his defects or emend them.

One grows very cautious when living across the border from malevolent rivals. Do not go against the grain There are countless roads that lead to a successful life, and most men choose their way led by the voice of their instincts. For the greedy and the imposter, it is the path of trickery; for the principled, it is the straight and narrow.

Know, then, how to deal with situations; choose not to go against the grain, even though it may present itself to you that way. Everything has its cutting edge and its blunt edge. The best and most useful of tools, if seized by the blade, wounds; while the most destructive, if grasped by the hilt, protects. Much that has given pain, when taken another way, would have given pleasure, for there is pleasure or pain in everything, and wisdom lies in seeing them in different lights. Discern what is good and what is bad; some discover satisfaction in everything, and others discover only grief.

This is the best defense against the reverses of fortune, a master rule of life that at all times is simply this: Look upon everything in its happiest light. This is true as well in the battle of life. A wise person will profit more from his enemies than a fool will from his friends. The malice of the enemy can level mountains of difficulties which otherwise would not be scaled.

Many men have achieved their own greatness by using that of their foes. More to be feared than the hatred of your rival is the flattery of those who would befriend you. The first exposes flaws, while the latter is meant to cover up. By fixing the faults your enemy has pointed out, you have made prudent use of the mirror he has held up to you. You can thrive in a neighborhood where rivalry lives. Jubila con tiempo el advertido al corredor cavallo, y no aguarda a que, cayendo, levante la risa en medio la carrera. It is the part of a wise man to ake a triumph of his own defeat, in imitation of the Sun, which though still glorious, is accustomed to retire into a Cloud, that he may not be seen to decline; and by that means leave it in doubt, whether he be set, or not.

He ought to draw out of the way of accidents, that he may not pine away with fretting. Let him not stay till fortune turn her back upon him, lest she should bury him alive, in regard of the affliction that it would give him; and dead, in respect to his Reputation. A good Horseman gives his Horse sometimes the Reins, that he may keep him from rearing up, and himself from derision, if he should chance to fall in the middle of his carriere. A beauty ought to prevent her Glass by breaking it, before it come to shew her that her charms are fading. It is the part of the Wise Man, to know how to make a triumph of his Defeat, an imitation of the Sun, which tho' glorious, is accustom'd to retire into a Cloud, that he may not be seen to decline; and by that means leave it in doubt, whether he be Set, or not.

A wise Man ought to withdraw himself from out of the way of Accidents, that he may not pine away with fretting. Let him not stay till Fortune turn her back upon him, lest she should bury him alive, in regard of the Affliction it would cause him; and dead, in respect to his Reputation. A good Horseman gives his Horse the Reins sometimes, that he may keep him from Rearing up, and himself from Derision, if he should chance to fall in the middle of his Carreer. A Beauty ought to break her Glass, before it come to shew her that her Charms are fading. Wait not till you are a sinking sun.

Let the beauty wisely break her glass in time, that she may not do so with impatience when she sees herself undeceived. Do not wait till you are a Sinking Sun. One should be able to snatch a triumph at the end, just as the sun even at its brightest often retires behind a cloud so as not to be seen sinking, and to leave in doubt whether he has sunk or not. Wisely withdraw from the mere chance of mishap, lest you have to do so when it becomes reality. Do not wait until they turn you the cold shoulder and carry you to the grave, alive in feeling but dead in esteem.

Wise trainers put racehorses out to grass before they arouse derision by falling on the course. A beauty should break her mirror early, lest she do so later with open eyes. It is a maxim of the wise to leave things before things leave them. Wise trainers put racehorses out to pasture before they arouse derision by falling on the course. Do not wait to be the sun, in her setting.

A maxim of the wise, to leave before being left. Know how to make a triumph even of your exit; for at times the sun herself when most bright, will retire behind a cloud, that she may not be seen to sink, thus to leave us in doubt as to whether she has set, or has not set. Escape such accident, in order not to suffer slight, do not wait until men turn their backs upon you, that they bury you, still alive in your feelings, but dead in their estimation: An aria which ends on a brilliant note, brings down the house.

Know when to quit, and how to quit. Do not give encores, and do not go on until your audience grows weary. When a guest, say your adieus before the lights are being turned out. Quit when you are at the apex of life, before you to downhill. Do not give one more last performance, and yet another. It is better to be remembered with a sigh than with a yawn. A man once rushed up to Talleyrand in great excitement. One should know how to convert even an eclipse into a victory; for the sun itself, when shining brilliantly, sometimes retires behind a cloud so that it may not be seen to sink, and thus leaves us in doubt whether it has set or not.

Avoid occasions of misadventure so that you may not be irritated by rebuffs; do not wait until you are given the cold shoulder, for if you do you will be carried to your grave, a living object of pity, but dead to esteem. A wise owner puts a racehorse out to grass in time and does not wait until it provokes derision by collapsing in the middle of a race; a shrewd beauty should take care to smash her mirror in good time, and not too late, out of impatience at seeing her illusions shattered.

Accordingly, it should be everyone's canon of conduct, to depart in honor any business, before you are later required to desert it in defeat. No fortune, fame or fashion bask in the noonday sun forever. Ultimately, one and all fade away. Take a lesson from the setting sun, which at the end of the day, while burning brightly,-slips behind a cloud-so as to not appear sinking. When you sense that circumstances call for a change, withdraw as a winner, before being labeled as a loser. As always, shrewd horsemen eventually put their racers to pasture - prior to sustaining a runaway reversal on the turf.

It is a maxim of the prudent to leave things before things leave them! Know how to triumph at the very end, just as the sun, shining brightly, often retires behind a cloud just as he sets, so that people will not be sure whether he has actually set. Avoid the risk of misfortune before it befalls: The intelligent master turns the race horse out to pasture in time, so that the failing horse will not arouse derision.

The wise beauty breaks her mirror early, through foresight, so taht she may not do so later, with the impatience of disullusionment. It is a maxim of prudent people to abandon things before being abandoned by them. You should make even your end into a triumph. At time the sun itself retires behind a cloud so that no one will see if fall, and it leaves us wondering whether it has set or not.

Avoid sunsets so as not to burst with misfortune. Don't wait for people to turn their shoulders on you: The prudent know when to retire a racehorse, and do not wait for him to collapse in the middle of the race, to the laughter of all. Let Beauty shatter the mirror cleverly, at the right time, and not too late when she cannot bear the truth. Exit Gracefully "Know how to make a triumph of your exit. The graceful exit at the propitious moment is a victory in itself. At times the sun herself, at its brightest, will retire behind a cloud so that she may not be seen, leaving us to wonder and long for her return.

Do not waint until men turn their backs upon you, until they bury you, still alive in your feelings but dead in their estimation. The man of foresight puts his inferior horse in the stable early, and does not wait to see it create shock by falling in the middle of the race. The beautiful woman wisely cracks her mirror when it is yet early in her life, so as not to smach it with impatience later when it has disillusioned her. A maxim for the wise: Leave before being left.

It is better to leave than to be left behind. Make it a point to make your exit triumphant. The sun at times hides behind a cloud, so that there is some doubt as to whether it is still aloft. Do not make this mistake. Do not let the others bury you while you are still alive but dead in their sight! A horse trainer retires his steed before it begins to lose races, and a beauty breaks her mirror before it begins to disappoint her.

Hasta el saber ha de ser al uso, y donde no se usa, es preciso saber hazer del ignorante. Dodds of McGill University for lending me a PDF copy of this version To comply with the Times Knowledge it self ought to be according to the mode, and it is no small piece of wit to counterfeit the ignorant, where there is no knowledge. The relish and Language change according to times. We must not speak in the the old Fashion; the relish must take with the New.

The relish of good heads serves for a rule to others in every profession, and by consequent we are to conform to it, and endeavour to improve our selves. Let a prudent man accomodate himself to the present, whether as to body, or mind though the past may even seem better unto him.

In manners only that rule is not observed, seeing vertue is at all times to be practised. It is not known now a-days, what it is to speak truth, to keep ones word. If any doe so, they pass for old-fashioned people.

The best book I have read: The Art of Worldly Wisdom, a Pocket Oracle

So that no body imitates them, though all love them. Unhappy age, wherein vertue passes for a stranger, and vice for a current mode! Let a wise man then live as he can, if he cannot as he would. Let him be content with what lot hath given him, as if it were better than what it hath denied him. Both our Judgements, and Language change from Time to Time.

We must not speak after the old Fashion; our Relish must accomodate its self to the New. The Discernment of good Heads, serves for a Rule to others in every Profession, and by Consequence we are to conform to it, and to endeavour to improve our selves by it. Let a Prudent Man suit himself to the present Times, whether in relation to Body, or Mind althought the Past may even seem better to him. In Manners only this Rule is not to be observed, seeing Vertue is at all times to be practised.

It is not known now-a-days, what it is to speak Truth, or the old Fashion Trick, to keep one's Word. If any do so, they pass for Old fashioned People. So that no body Imitates them, tho' all Love them. Let the Wise Man then Live as he can, if he cannot as he would. Let him be content with what Fortune hath lent him, as if it were better than what she hath denied him. Live practically, and accommodate yourself to the times. The prudent man should live as he can, if he cannot live as he would. Even knowledge has to be in style, and where it is not it is wise to affect ignorance. Thought and taste change with the times.

Do not be old fashioned in your ways of thinking and let your taste be in the modern style. In everything the taste of the many carries the votes ; for the time being one must follow it in hope of leading it to higher things. In the adornment of the body, as of the mind, adapt yourself to the present, even though the past appears better. But this rule does not apply to kindness, for goodness is for all time. It is neglected nowadays and seems out of date. Truth-speaking , keeping your word, and so too good people, seem to come from the good old times: What a misfortune for our age that it regards virtue as a stranger and vice as a matter of course!

If you are wise, live as you can, if you cannot live as you would. Think more highly of what fate has given you than of what it has denied. Do not be old fashioned in your ways of thinking and let your taste be modern. In everything the taste of the many carries the day ; for the time being one must follow it in hope of leading it to higher things. But this rule does not apply to kindness, for goodness is for all times. Truthfulness , keeping your word, and so too good people, seem to come from the good old days, yet they are liked for all that, but even so if any exist they are not in fashion and are not imitated.

The Art of Worldly Wisdom

If you are wise live as you can, if you cannot live as you would. Even wisdom must be in style, and where it is not, it is well to know how to feign ignorance, for thought and taste change with the times: The choice of the many carries the vote in every field. For the time being therefore, it must be bowed to, in order to bring it to higher level: Only in the matter of being decent does this rule of life not apply, for virtue should be practiced eternally: Oh, the misery of this our age, which holds virtue alien, and evil the order of the day!

Let the man of conscience live as he can, not as he might wish. Let him hold as better what fortune has conceded him than what she has denied him. Live according to custom. Even wisdom must be in style, and where it is not, it is well to know how to feign ignorance, for thought changes with the times and taste: The choice of the many has the vote in every field.

The man of wisdom accommodates himself to the present, even though the past seems better, alike in the dress of his spirit, as in the dress of his body. Tastes change, and it is wise to conform to them, even though you may not approve. Against the many, your lone vote is of no avail; but as part of the crowd you may be able to make your influence felt.

Each generation must solve its own problems. Elders cannot control the destiny of their children. It is better for them to try understanding youth than to oppose its novel ways. Virtue alone is unaffected by changing times. To speak the truth and keep a promise was as modern in biblical times as it is today. Also it is rare. Even knowledge must be in the fashion; and when it is not, you must know how to affect ignorance. Conversation and tastes change with the times. Do not be old-fashioned in your manner of speech, and let your tastes be up to date.

Fashion, in every sphere, is determined by the vote of the elite. It must then be followed for the time and assist you [on the road] to eminence: This rule of life is alone inapplicable to virtue, for virtue must always be practised. The habit of telling the truth and keeping one's word is unknown to-day and seems to belong to a bygone age; and good men, though always loved, appear to belong rather to the good old days, so that if any now exist they are not in the fashion and nobocly follows their example.

What a misfortune it is for our age that it should look upon virtue as peculiar and vice as normal! Let the sensible man live as best he can if he cannot live as he would wish. Regard what Fortune has bestowed upon you as being better than what she has denied you. So much folly, so much imprudence, and so much vulgarity exist in this world, that there cannot be correction - only compromise - between the individual and the world about him. Be prepared to pamper your pique when you deal with others. Frequently you will be hurt and humiliated in placing trust in those that are treacherous.

When our love is lost, and our friends forsake us, all that is left is the courageousness of our character and our personal determination to drive ourselves forward. The road of life is rough and full of ruts and capable of jolting our self-confidence. To avoid bitter-sweet regrets, accept life for what it is - no better than an animal kingdom. Even wisdom has to be in vogue, and when it is not, it is politic to conform with the ignorant. Interests and tastes change with the times. It does not do to discuss out-moded topics, and to have tastes that do not conform to the vogue.

The taste of the leaders sets the style in every group. You must follow it in order, later to help raise it to higher levels. The prudent man accommodates himself to the present, both with respect to the soul as well as the body - however preferable the past may seem to him. This rule of living holds true for everything but goodness, which is always desirable. Truth is snubbed as old-fashioned; and the unbroken word and the worthy man seem to be memories of the "good old days".

Though they are respected for, they are not used or imitated. What a travesty on our century that virtue is thought out-moded, and vice regarded as stylish! The discreet man lives as he can, not as he would. Think more of what fate has given you, than on what it has denied you. Even your knowledge should seem unusual and usable, and where knowledge is uncommon, feign ignorance. Ways of thinking change, and so does taste. Don't think like an ancient; taste like a modern. That is what matters in all things.

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When you must, follow the common taste, and make your way toward eminence. The wise should adapt themselves to the present, even when the past seems more attractive, both in the clothes of the soul and in those of the body. This rule for living holds for everything but goodness, for one must always practice virtue. Many things have come to seem old-fashioned: Good people seem to belong to the good old days, though they are always beloved.

If any exist, they are rare, and they are never imitated. What a sad age this is, when virtue is rare and malice is common. The prudent must live as best they can, though not as they would like to. May they prefer what luck granted them to what it withheld! Fit Yourself to the Framework of Your World "Live as best you can in the state of affairs that surrounds you. Wish for what is available, work at what is achievable. Yet do not always journey through life by the laws written to regulate you, even when such laws have the face of righteousness and goodness.

Take small liberties and byways without bringing harm to yourself and to others. Do not indicate too precisely what alone will satisfy you, for tomorrow your words may have to be disregarded. Stay flexible and be alert as the days change and new oppotunities arise. There are some so unreasonable that they would have every circumstance of life fit itself into their own framework when it should be the other way around.

The man of wisdom knows better: Where it is not customary to be knowledgeable, you must feign ignorance. Thought and tastes change with the times, so do not be old-fashioned in your thinking while exhibiting modern tastes! Bow to the opinions of the majority, since for the time being you must subscribe to them in order to eventually reach higher. The past may seem better in retrospect, but you must accommodate yourself to the present, both in fashion and in spirit.

This rule does not apply to decent behavior however, for such is in good taste in any age. It may seem that today it is out of style to be honest and forthright and to keep one's word, but even now to do so is to be loved forever. What a shame that in modern times, virtue seems to have gone out of fashion, and evil is the order of the day. You would be wise to live as you can, according to your conscience, and not as you would wish to. Appreciate what you do have and think not about what you have been denied.

Es el mayor saber a vezes no saber, o afectar no saber. Para vivir a solas: Algunos quieren ser singulares en las quimeras. For if all be such, there is nothing to be lost, cry Politicians: Custom then is to be followed. Sometimes to know nothing, or at least to seem so, is the greatest Knowledge.

We must of necessity live with others, and the ignorant are most numerous. To live alone, one ought hold much of the Nature of God, or to be altogether of that of Beasts. But to quanlify the Aphorism, I would say, Rather to be Wise with others, than a fool without Company. Some affect to be singular in Chimera's. For if all be such, none are so, cry Politicians: Whereas if Wisdom be singular, it will pass for Folly. Custom ther is to be followed.

Sometimes to know Nothing, or at least to seem to know Nothing, will be the greatest Knowledge. We must of necessity live with others, and the Ignorant are ever the most numerous. To Live alone, one ought to have a great deal of the Nature of God, or to be altogether a Beast. Better be mad with everybody else than prudent alone. For if all are mad one is not behind anybody else, and if the prudent man is alone he will pass for mad, so important it is to follow the current. Sometimes the greatest wisdom lies in ignorance, or the affectation of it. We have got to live with others, and the ignorant are in the majority.

To live alone one must be very like a god or quite like a beast, yet I would modify the aphorism, and say, better be prudent with the majority than mad by one's self. There are some people who seek for originality in chimeras and crotchets. Better Mad with the rest of the World than Wise alone. If all are so, one is no worse off than the rest, whereas solitary wisdom passes for folly. So important is it to sail with the stream.

The greatest wisdom often consists of ignorance, or the pretense of it. One has to live with others, and others are mostly ignorant. Better be wise with the many than a fool all alone. There be some too who seek to be original by chasing chimeras. Better mad with the rest of the world than wise alone. If all are mad, you'll be equal to them.

And if you alone are sane, you will be taken for mad. What matters is to follow the current. The best knowledge, sometimes, is not to know, or pretend not to. We must live with others, and the majority of ignorant. To live by yourself, you must be very godly or a complete savage. But I would modify this alphorism and say: Better sane with the many than mad all by yourself. Some people want to be singular in the pursuit of chimeras. Better a fool with the crowd, than a sage by yourself ; the politicians say, that if all men are fools, no one of them can be counted such; wherefore the wise man who stands apart, must be a fool: I am strongly urged to turn this aphorism about, and say: Politicians keep unfashionable opinions to themselves, so as not to atagonize fools, of whom, they say, there are many.

Fools abhor originality as Nature once was said to abhor a vacuum. A novel idea disturbs their equanimity, forcing their thoughts out of well-worn grooves. Fools forget that someone has to originate the story which they whisper to each other, and about which they laugh so uproarously, thus paying unconscious tribute to the one that conceived it. For if every one is mad, you will be no worse off than anybody else; and if sanity is unique, it will be regarded as folly.

So important is it to swim with the stream: Hardcover , pages. Published December 1st by Crown Business first published To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

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To ask other readers questions about The Art of Worldly Wisdom , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about The Art of Worldly Wisdom. Lists with This Book. This book wasn't quite what I expected, yet it was still a good experience. There's is also some certainty that the author read "The Prince" since it came out earlier than this book, which came out in ; the fact that the author of this present book was a Jesuit no doubt helped, since I do know Jesuits have been This book wasn't quite what I expected, yet it was still a good experience.

There's is also some certainty that the author read "The Prince" since it came out earlier than this book, which came out in ; the fact that the author of this present book was a Jesuit no doubt helped, since I do know Jesuits have been thought of as cunning, both in positive and negative sense.

Spanish (1647)

The name hints at the size of the first printing of this books - pocket-fitting and densely printed sometimes hard to read because of this. It is for the 17th Century Baroque Spanish upper society, Spain being then in decline, away from being the world power, with France and Rococo soon taking their place. Some of the text clearly shows that certain aphorisms can be grouped together, and some themes do pop up again as one keeps reading. The style is laconic, which I like since it keeps the message clearly floating. Translation keeps out most world-play and puns, since they don't translate well.

The author stresses the importance of taking ever-changing circumstances into account, as aphrosim's tips may not apply on every occasion.


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In everything, though, prudence is the main key that keep one afloat in the changes and risks of the society. There is more value in difficulty than easy - there is challenge this way. Disillusion is sometimes good, it helps in looking behind appearances, where danger and opportunities may hide.

One has to realise that others are playing the game, too. There were a few standout aphorisms for me: Sometimes making me think of the state of the world now, how to know when to fold 'em, not to hold to opinions too stubbornly, remember to already live and not leave living to old age, and the "act as though always on view" sounds interesting. The last aphorism gives the whole lot a nice twist; it might make you read the text again, which may not be hard work since the book is quite slim: The book is quite easy to read, even if you don't really notice that Christianity still sort of flows underground in the text, most of the time A suprisingly good book, with something for everyone, even when not living like they once did.

Sep 19, Elisa Garcia rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Aug 25, Justarius rated it it was amazing Shelves: Self-help books can be helpful, but they are usually focused on what to do after you have encountered certain problems. It is a manual on how to be successful at anything in life.

Considering that it is still amazing relevant today despite being first published in , it is a classic masterpiece. Certainly there have been other books in the same genre, but I have yet to find another one as penetrating and objective. Also, The Art of Worldly Wisdom contains only aphorisms, considerably less than the Maxims while packing the same amount of substance or more. Other notable thinkers have been influenced by The Art of Worldly Wisdom.

I wish that I had many years ago. Perhaps I could have done things better, or perhaps I could have learned some lessons less painfully. In either case, it could only have helped! I have friends who read The Prince like a bible, and its true that Machiavelli is worthy of repeated study, both as a period piece and window into the Renaissance Italian soul, and as possibly the most notorious treatise on Realpolitik ever written.

Machiavelli, like Nietzsche, has been misused by the unscrupulous and decried by the ignorant; also, IMHO, both writers were actually better historians and analysts than they were philosophers per se. Baltasar Gracian, in the Pocket Oracle, has accomp I have friends who read The Prince like a bible, and its true that Machiavelli is worthy of repeated study, both as a period piece and window into the Renaissance Italian soul, and as possibly the most notorious treatise on Realpolitik ever written. Baltasar Gracian, in the Pocket Oracle, has accomplished what Niccolo never could, nor would have wanted to: The lessons are pithy and epigrammatic, both simple yet deserving of deep reflection and consideration and, most importantly, are eminently USEFUL in almost every interpersonal interaction in your day to day life, whether you are a dish washer or a senator -- his teachings are that universal.

Robert Greene strip-mined Gracian for 48 Laws of Power, but again IMHO, it's always best to refer back to the seminal source even after being presented with as good a digest as Greene presented. This is the Penguin edition, so you of course have the value added of their wonderful introductions, with historical references anchoring Gracian's life and the impact of the Oracle itself.

Also, this translation is, I feel, much better than those I've seen marketed under the variant title Art of Worldly Wisdom. I read this book everyday. I recommend it to every man woman or child that wants to live their very best. Gracian was one of the wisest men who ever lived, and this is the free distillation of his wisdom.

Jun 22, Kimber rated it it was amazing Shelves: Astonishing how true Garcian's aphorisms remain hundreds of years later and how much the culture of Spain at the time seems so modern A work to study and be studied again and again. This is timeless in its wisdom--I would add I don't agree with everything he says and that although he can be spiritual at times, this is a guide of "Worldly Wisdom" and something that as a Jesuit priest he was sometimes condemned for this worldlyness Much on the same level of "Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

Feb 07, Mohammad rated it it was amazing. View all 5 comments. Jul 23, Sarah Ansani rated it it was ok Shelves: I'm a little surprised by some ratings of this book. I understand that this isn't a book that you exactly "critique" because it's a renown oracle from the 17th century. A lot of the advice gears toward deception, vanity, and greed: You will shield yourself fro I'm a little surprised by some ratings of this book. You will shield yourself from malevolence: Having someone else take the blame for failure and be the butt of gossip does not spring from a lack of ability, as malice thinks, but from superior skill.

Not everything can turn out well, and you can't please everyone.