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
Baltasar Gracian quotes about
wise learning thinking
Many would be wise if they did not think themselves wise.
men barbarians culture
Man is born a barbarian, and only raises himself above the beast by culture.
exaggeration-is taste judgment
Exaggeration is a prodigality of the judgment which shows the narrowness of one's knowledge or one's taste.
fall doors should-have
Do not be inaccessible. None is so perfect that he does not need at times the advice of others. He is an incorrigible ass who will never listen to any one. Even the most surpassing intellect should find a place for friendly counsel. Sovereignty itself must learn to lean. There are some that are incorrigible simply because they are inaccessible: They fall to ruin because none dares to extricate them. The highest should have the door open for friendship; it may prove the gate of help. A friend must be free to advise, and even to upbraid, without feeling embarrassed.
passion mind excess
The passions are the humors of the mind, and the least excess sickens our judgment. If the disease spreads to the mouth, your reputation will be in danger.
annoyed greed
When everyone covets something, they are easily annoyed by it.
ambition way pushing
The true way is the middle one, halfway between deserving a place and pushing oneself into it.
violence aptitude natural
Most do violence to their natural aptitude, and thus attain superiority in nothing.
gambling casinos gamer
Quit while you're ahead. All the best gamblers do.
doe appearance consideration
What is not seen is as if it was not. Even the Right does not receive proper consideration if it does not seem right.
inspirational motivational art
The great art of giving consists in this the gift should cost very little and yet be greatly coveted, so that it may be the more highly appreciated.
adversity prosperity
One who was adored by all in prosperity is abhorred by all in adversity.
wisdom folly
Knowledge without wisdom is double folly.
art giving recourse
Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.