Baltasar Gracian

Sometimes it proves the highest understanding not to understand.

The greatest wisdom often consists in ignorance.

Surfeits of happiness are fatal.

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

Good things when short are twice as good.

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

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil. Tis the sole remedy against misfortune the very ventilation of the soul.

There is no wilderness like a life without friends friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes it is a unique remedy against adversity and it soothes the soul.

Friends are a second existence.

A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him than what it has denied.

Even knowledge has to be in fashion and where it is not it is wise to affect ignorance.

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

Knowledge without courage is sterile.

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

One who was adored by all in prosperity is abhorred by all in adversity.

Do not show your wounded finger for everything will knock up against it.

It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while waiting for it.

If you are wise live as you can if you cannot live as you would.