Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.
Baltasar GracianIt is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.
Baltasar GracianAlways leave something to wish for; otherwise you will be miserable from your very happiness.
Baltasar GracianDo not make mistakes about character. Better be cheated in the price than in the quality of goods.
Baltasar GracianA person of your century: Great persons are of their time. Not all were born into a period worthy of them, and many so born failed to benefit by it. Some merited a better century, for all that is good does not always triumph. Fashions have their periods and even the greatest virtues, their styles. But the philosopher, being ageless, has one advantage: Should this not prove the right century, many to follow will.
Baltasar Gracian