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Book: The Art of Worldly Wisdom Author: Baltasar Gracian Doubleday Currency, New York, pp.188 Excerpt from Introduction: The Art of Worldly Wisdom: A Pocket Oracle is a book of strategies for knowing, judging, and acting: for making one’s way in the world and achieving distinction and perfection. It is a collection of three hundred aphorisms too delicious not to share with friends and colleagues, too penetrating not to hide from enemies and rivals. Its ideal reader is someone whose daily occupation involves dealing with others; discovering their intentions, winning their favor and friendship, or (on the other hand) defeating their designs and “checkmating their will.” Like all aphorisms, these are meant to be read slowly, a few at a time. Excerpt from Book: A jovial character. In moderation, it is a gift, and not a defect. A pinch of wit is good seasoning. The greatest people can parlay grace and humor into universal favor. But they pay due respect to prudence and never break with decorum. Others use jest as a quick way out of difficulty. Some things should be taken jokingly, even those that others take most seriously. This shows a certain agreeableness, and works like a strange charm on the hearts of others. Reach perfection. No one is born that way. Perfect yourself daily, both personally and professionally, until you become a consummate being, rounding off your gifts and reaching eminence. Signs of the perfect person: elevated taste, a pure intelligence, a clear will, ripeness of judgement. Some people are never complete and are always lacking something. Others take a long time to form themselves. The consummate person — wise in speech, prudent in deed — is admitted to, and even desired by, the singular society of the discreet. Example of Table of Contents: Character and intelligence Keep matters in suspense Don’t outshine your boss Associate with those you can learn from Surround yourself with auxiliary wits When you start something, don’t raise the expectations of others Know how to take a hint Be vulgar in nothing Know when to put something aside Quit while you are ahead Never exaggerate Temper your antipathy Never lose your self-respect Know how to choose Know how to wait End well Make others understand Choose a heroic model Renew your brilliance Head off rumor Make your reputation and keep it Don’t look self-satisfied Get used to the failings of your friends, family, and acquaintances Be known for your courtesy Don’t have the spirit of contradiction Don’t defend the wrong side out of stubborness Think ahead Know how to suffer fools |