The Art of Worldly Wisdom

"Think with the few and speak with the many," "Friends are a second existence," and "Be able to forget" are among this volume's 300 pithy maxims on politics, professional life, and personal development. Published in 1637 by Baltasar Gracian, a Spanish Jesuit scholar, it was an instant success throughout Europe. Gracian's timeless advice, focusing on honesty and kindness, remains ever popular, and the translation by Joseph Jacobs preserves the author's epigrammatic style and the richness of his wordplay and puns. A perfect source of mental and spiritual refreshment, this book can be opened at random and appreciated either for a few moments or for a lengthy browse.