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

Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.
Baltasar Gracian

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

Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.
Baltasar Gracian

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

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

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

Respect yourself if you would have others respect you.
Baltasar Gracian

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

The things we remember best are those better forgotten.
Baltasar Gracian

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

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

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

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

Those who insist on the dignity of their office show they have not deserved it.
Baltasar Gracian

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.
Baltasar Gracian

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

To oblige persons often costs little and helps much.
Baltasar Gracian

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
Baltasar Gracian

True knowledge lies in knowing how to live.
Baltasar Gracian