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
revenge men generosity
When a man's knowledge is deep, he speaks well of an enemy. Instead of seeking revenge, he extends unexpected generosity. He turns insult into humor, ... and astonishes his adversary who finds no reason not to trust him.
revenge taken dust
Know how to play the card of contempt. It is the most politic kind of revenge. For there are many of whom we should have known nothing if their distinguished opponents had taken no notice of them. There is no revenge like oblivion, for it is the entombment of the unworthy in the dust of their own nothingness.
time truth lag
Truth always lags behind, limping along on the arm of Time.
eye deception ears
Deceit comes in through the ears, but usually leaves through the eyes.
patience no-patience retiring
Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.
future deeds tomorrow
It is a great deed to leave nothing for tomorrow.
nature art needs
Nature often lets us down when we most need her; let us turn to art.
helping
The greatest service you can render someone else is helping him help himself.
mountain lightning strikes
Censure is like the lightning which strikes the highest mountains.
cities beast wild-beasts
The truest wild beasts live in the most populous places.
annoyed greed
When everyone covets something, they are easily annoyed by it.
wisdom forever waiting
Wisdom is immortal. She can wait forever, but you cannot.
wisdom intelligence sage
The sage has one advantage: he is immortal. If this is not his century, many others will be.
greatness contribution mutual
Wisdom and courage make mutual contributions to greatness.