Baltasar Gracián

Knowledge without courage is sterile.

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

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

You can judge the height of someone’s talent by what he aspires to. Only a great thing can satisfy a great talent.

All men are idolaters, some of fame, others of self-interest, most of pleasure.

Remedies often makes diseases worse… It takes a wise doctor to know when not to prescribe.

Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.

Content yourself with doing, leave the talking to others.

Cautious silence is the holy of holies of worldly wisdom.

He who laughs at everything is as big a fool as he who weeps at everything.

Work is the price that is paid for reputation.

All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that.

Well said is quickly said.

Wise men appreciate all men, for they see the good in each and know how hard it is to make anything good.

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

Trust the friends of to-day as if they will be enemies to-morrow.

We live by information, not by sight.

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 know how to refuse is as important as to know how to consent. A gilded No gives more satisfaction than a dry Yes.

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

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

The wise man always hopes for the best, but expects the worst.

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

The very truths which concern us most can only be half spoken, but with attention we can grasp the whole meaning.

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