Quotes By Baltasar Gracian

Evil report carries further than any applause.

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

Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.

When desire dies, fear is born.

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.

Have friends. 'Tis a second existence.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

There is always time to add a word, never to withdraw one.

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

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

The wise does at once what the fool does at last.

To oblige persons often costs little and helps much.

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

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

Always leave something to wish for; otherwise you will be miserable from your very happiness.

Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.

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

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

The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.

Work is the price which is paid for reputation.

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

Let the first impulse pass, wait for the second.

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

It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not equally courteous to all, for that would be injustice.

To be at ease is better than to be at business. Nothing really belongs to us but time, which even he has who has nothing else.

To equal a predecessor, one must have twice they worth.

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

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

Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.

Know or listen to those who know.