There are certain inessential activities-moths of precious time-and it is worse to busy yourself with the trivial than to do nothing.
Baltasar GracianFortunate 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.
Baltasar GracianThe wise have a solid sense of silence and the ability to keep a storehouse of secrets. Their capacity and character are respected.
Baltasar GracianThere are friendships merely for pleasure, some for the exchange of ideas. Rarest are those friends of one's inmost self.
Baltasar GracianKnow how to keep anticipation alive: always strive to feed it, by letting the much promise more, and the one achievement be the announcement only of a greater. Put not all your reserves into the first throw; the great trick is to dole out strength, and to dole out mind, in such a fashion as to bring forward increasingly the fulfillment of what was expected of you.
Baltasar Gracian