Baltasar Gracián quotes

Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets.

Baltasar Gracián

Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.

Baltasar Gracián

Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.

Baltasar Gracián

Advice is sometimes transmitted more successfully through a joke than grave teaching.

Baltasar Gracián

He that has satisfied his thirst turns his back on the well.

Baltasar Gracián

The things we remember best are those better forgotten.

Baltasar Gracián

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.

Baltasar Gracián

A man of honour should never forget what he is because he sees what others are.

Baltasar Gracián

Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.

Baltasar Gracián

Never do anything when you are in a temper, for you will do everything wrong.

Baltasar Gracián

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.

Baltasar Gracián

Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.

Baltasar Gracián

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.

Baltasar Gracián

We often have to put up with most from those on whom we most depend.

Baltasar Gracián

Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies.

Baltasar Gracián

It is good to vary in order that you may frustrate the curious, especially those who envy you.

Baltasar Gracián

There is none who cannot teach somebody something, and there is none so excellent but he is excelled.

Baltasar Gracián

Work is the price which is paid for reputation.

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

A single lie destroys a whole reputation for integrity.

Baltasar Gracián

A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.

Baltasar Gracián

He that can live alone resembles the brute beast in nothing, the sage in much, and God in everything.

Baltasar Gracián

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.

Baltasar Gracián

Let the first impulse pass, wait for the second.

Baltasar Gracián

At twenty a man is a peacock, at thirty a lion, at forty a camel, at fifty a serpent, at sixty a dog, at seventy an ape, at eighty a nothing at all.

Baltasar Gracián

A beautiful woman should break her mirror early.

Baltasar Gracián

It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.

Baltasar Gracián

Be content to act, and leave the talking to others.

Baltasar Gracián

Hope is a great falsifier. Let good judgment keep her in check.

Baltasar Gracián

Little said is soon amended. There is always time to add a word, never to withdraw one.

Baltasar Gracián

Know or listen to those who know.

Baltasar Gracián

Evil report carries further than any applause.

Baltasar Gracián

Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.

Baltasar Gracián

A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.

Baltasar Gracián

Quit while you're ahead. All the best gamblers do.

Baltasar Gracián