Baltasar Gracián quotes - page 2

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side. (Baltasar Gracián)
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.
Baltasar Gracián
If you cannot make knowledge your servant, make it your friend.
Baltasar Gracián
Readiness is the mother of luck.
Baltasar Gracián
Those who want to look like hard workers give the impression that they aren't up to their jobs.
Baltasar Gracián
The person who does not know how to put up with others should retire into himself, if indeed he can suffer even himself.
Baltasar Gracián
The right kind of leisure is better than the wrong kind of work.
Baltasar Gracián
The one rule for pleasing: whet the appetite, keep people hungry.
Baltasar Gracián
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.
Baltasar Gracián
The wise does at once what the fool does at last.
Baltasar Gracián
One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity. (Baltasar Gracián)
He that can live alone resembles the brute beast in nothing, the sage in much, and God in everything.
Baltasar Gracián
Dreams will get you nowhere, a good kick in the pants will take you a long way.
Baltasar Gracián
A beautiful woman should break her mirror early.
Baltasar Gracián
Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.
Baltasar Gracián
Know or listen to those who know.
Baltasar Gracián
Always leave something to wish for; otherwise you will be miserable from your very happiness.
Baltasar Gracián
Those who insist on the dignity of their office show they have not deserved it.
Baltasar Gracián
Better mad with the rest of the world than wise alone.
Baltasar Gracián
Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.
Baltasar Gracián
Advice is sometimes transmitted more successfully through a joke than grave teaching. (Baltasar Gracián)
It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.
Baltasar Gracián
Luck can be assisted. It is not all chance with the wise.
Baltasar Gracián
Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.
Baltasar Gracián
A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.
Baltasar Gracián