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
mistake men hypocrisy
Know what is evil, no matter how worshipped it may be. Let the man of sense not mistake it, even when clothed in brocade, or at times crowned in gold, because it cannot thereby hide its hypocrisy, for slavery does not lose its infamy, however noble the master.
integrity done shows
They make the greatest show of what they have done, who have done least.
character understanding desire
You can cultivate taste, as you can the intellect. Full understanding whets the appetite and desire, and, later, sharpens the enjoyment of possession.
passion color hue
Passion colors all that it touches in its own hues.
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.
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
courage
Knowledge without courage is sterile.
self self-improvement improvement
Self knowledge is the beginning of self improvement.
inspirational friendship thankful
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
light views talent
Put yourself on view. This brings your talents to light.
writing use synonym
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one.
fate men thinking
A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him, than what it has denied.
wise understanding sometimes
Sometimes it proves the highest understanding not to understand.
wisdom people easier
Know how to ask. There is nothing more difficult for some people, nor for others, easier.