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

Quote by Baltasar Gracian

Topics: Baltasar Gracian Quotes

A single lie destroys a whole reputation for integrity

A single lie destroys a whole reputation for integrity

Never participate in the secrets of those above you; you think you share the fruit,...

Never participate in the secrets of those above you; you think you share the fruit,...

When desire dies, fear is born.

When desire dies, fear is born.

No man's abilities are so remarkably shining as not to stand in need of a...

No man's abilities are so remarkably shining as not to stand in need of a...

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

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

Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.

Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds...

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds...

Work is the price which is paid for reputation

Work is the price which is paid for reputation

One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity.

One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity.

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

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

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

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

Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things...

Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things...

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

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

At 20 a man is a peacock, at 30 a lion, at 40 a camel,...

At 20 a man is a peacock, at 30 a lion, at 40 a camel,...

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

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

Have friends. 'Tis a second existence.

Have friends. 'Tis a second existence.

It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not...

It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not...

An excess of courtesy is discourtesy

An excess of courtesy is discourtesy

Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy

Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy

Less of your courtesy and more of your purse

Less of your courtesy and more of your purse