Baltasar Gracian

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

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

Know how to ask. There is nothing more difficult for some people, nor for others, easier.

The great art of giving consists in this: the gift should cost very little and yet be greatly coveted, so that it may be the more highly appreciated.

Attempt easy tasks as if they were difficult, and difficult as if they were easy; in the one case that confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it may not be dismayed.

Put yourself on view. This brings your talents to light.

Do pleasant things yourself, but unpleasant things through others.

The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.

He who finds Fortune on his side should go briskly ahead, for she is wont to favor the bold.

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

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

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

A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.

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

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.

Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.

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

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

The path to greatness is along with others.

One deceit needs many others, and so the whole house is built in the air and must soon come to the ground.

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