by Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658)
Written over 350 years ago, this fascinating book is collection of 300 witty and thought-provoking original aphorisms. From how to be lucky to the healthy use of caution, these elegant observations were created as a guide to life, with further suggestions such as cultivating good taste, knowing how to refuse, the foolishness of complaining and the wisdom of controlling one’s passions
A few examples –
“Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.” “A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” “Never compete with someone who has nothing to lose.” “The best skill in cards is knowing when to discard.”
I’ve adopted this one as a personal motto –
