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Baltasar Gracián y Morales

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The Art of Worldly Wisdom: A Pocket Oracle Hardcover – January 1, 1992

by Baltasar Gracian (Author), Christopher Maurer (Translator)

439 ratings

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The remarkable best-seller -- a long-lost, 300-year-old book of wisdom on how to live successfully yet responsibly in a society governed by self-interest -- as acute as Machiavelli yet as humanistic and scrupulously moral as Marcus Aurelius.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Maurer retranslates a 17th-century Jesuit's aphorisms and reflections on the morality of success. This long-admired work sounds surprisingly relevant today. It also combines brevity and grace of expression with wise advice, which should appeal to those seeking "how-to" spirituality which is universal, practical, and applicable in business. Recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

The remarkable best-seller -- a long-lost, 300-year-old book of wisdom on how to live successfully yet responsibly in a society governed by self-interest -- as acute as Machiavelli yet as humanistic and scrupulously moral as Marcus Aurelius.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday; 1st edition (January 1, 1992)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385421311
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385421317
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 7.6 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #66,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #119 in Religious Philosophy (Books)
- #187 in Philosophy of Ethics & Morality
- #1,735 in Personal Transformation Self-Help

Customer Reviews:
439 ratings

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439 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a phenomenal read full of timeless wisdom from 500 years ago, making it a great gift option. Moreover, the book stands the test of time and offers good value. However, the language receives mixed feedback, with several customers noting that the English translation leaves something to be desired. Additionally, customers disagree on the logicalness of the content.

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Readability Wisdom Enduring value Value for money Gift value Book content Language Logicalness

58 customers mention "Readability"58 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a brilliant and phenomenally enjoyable read, with one customer noting that the bits of wisdom are a pure joy to read.

"...For a book of wisdom I found it was a great toilet read, go figure...." Read more

"This interesting book (The Art of Worldly Wisdom: translated by Martin Fischer) contains 300 aphorisms taken from Baltasar Grecian’s numerous..." Read more

"...'s essential message describes a person of honor, determination, insight, and adaptability. This person, in the end, can only succeed...." Read more

"...observation, then you'll find this to be one of the most practical books on your shelf that you're sure to reference time and time again no matter..." Read more

44 customers mention "Wisdom"42 positive2 negative

Customers find the book full of timeless wisdom from 500 years ago, describing it as a classic practical insight that has become their favorite.

"...This is a book of wisdom that gives instruction on day to day interactions and how best to manage people and events that present in the course of..." Read more

"...book (The Art of Worldly Wisdom: translated by Martin Fischer) contains 300 aphorisms taken from Baltasar Grecian’s numerous scholarly volumes...." Read more

"...Gracián's essential message describes a person of honor, determination, insight, and adaptability. This person, in the end, can only succeed...." Read more

"...The English isn't all that refined, however, the nuggets of wisdom is absolutely worth it. The book you don't read, won't help...." Read more

7 customers mention "Enduring value"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's enduring value, noting that it stands the test of time and arrives in excellent condition, with one customer describing it as a life-long companion.

"...It seems so. Gracian's advice is classic and enduring. Every young person should have, read, and heed the wisdom supplied by this pithy little book." Read more

"...I was very pleased to receive the book in pristine condition. Thank you." Read more

"Timeless wisdom that will never grow old. There is no need to write this book in a modern language it is perfect they way it is...." Read more

"The book is great anyway...all i need to review here is the quality of the ebook and for that ill say its tremendous" Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money.

"...Also, much more value compared to a number of "self-help or advice" type of literature. What is about?..." Read more

"Used copies of books most of which come from libraries are a great money saver...." Read more

"...Everyone should have a copy of the priceless treasure." Read more

"Wisdom for the ages! Well worth the investment!" Read more

4 customers mention "Gift value"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book makes a great gift, with one mentioning it's good to give to everyone.

"...Give them as gifts! Indispensable." Read more

"This is one you'll read again and again. This is a gift for a young man who took the time to help me out when I was in need...." Read more

"This book is good to give to everyoe you care about who has to mke their way in this world." Read more

"Makes a great gift..." Read more

3 customers mention "Book content"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's content, with one noting it's a must-have addition to any self-library and another mentioning it has plenty to offer.

"I love wisdom. This book has plenty of it...." Read more

"...This is a book to be kept at your side, not read and put down forever." Read more

"All I can say is that, this is a must have book in the self-library. I gave it as a gift for people I love." Read more

23 customers mention "Language"13 positive10 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the language of the book, with several noting that the English translation leaves something to be desired.

"...This is a book of wisdom that gives instruction on day to day interactions and how best to manage people and events that present in the course of..." Read more

"...Even though the writing style is not always clear (could be because of the translation) or easy to understand: nevertheless, this is still an..." Read more

"...As applicable today as when written and very masterfully composed...." Read more

"...The book had to be translated from Spanish to English. The English isn't all that refined, however, the nuggets of wisdom is absolutely worth..." Read more

6 customers mention "Logicalness"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the logicalness of the book, with some finding the maxims clear and realistic, while others report that it becomes confusing.

"...accomplish your ends, the art of being lucky, be gracious, think, never exaggerate, be shrewd, but not too shrewd, have strength of spirit, never..." Read more

"...is hollow: It sounds and appears wise but for the most part does not make any sense or even offers bad advice...." Read more

"Great book. Baltasar's maxims come clearly in this English version...." Read more

"...THE TEACHINGS AND YOU WILL LEARN THAT MOST PEOPLE ARE EGO CENTERED, ILLOGICAL AND GREEDY. LESSONS THAT HAVE TAKEN ME DECADES TO LEARN." Read more

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Phat Rat
Knowledge without wisdom is an wasted
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2022
Verified Purchase

I stumbled across this book 2 decades ago and found it a tough read due to the old world verbiage. I found this book was best digested slowly so I read one of the 300 or so topics a day so a page a day. For a book of wisdom I found it was a great toilet read, go figure. Being an average student, over the course of 10 years, I read this book a total of eight times using a different marker for each reading. This book was the first guide on how to deal with others with a trained intellect rather than using my natural thinking and actions. This is a guide on how to influence people for their or your own benefit. The only other instruction of this caliber is the book of Proverbs by Rabbi/King Solomon. This is a book of wisdom that gives instruction on day to day interactions and how best to manage people and events that present in the course of life. Like a gun these principles can be used to pursue good or nefarious outcomes. In the very least comprehending the principles presented in The Art of Worldly Wisdom would arm you with knowledge and reason enough for you to recognize when someone is employing tactics covered in this book on you.

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19 people found this helpful

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Joseph J. Truncale
If you love reading short but meaningful bits of advice, you should check out this interesting book.
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
This interesting book (The Art of Worldly Wisdom: translated by Martin Fischer) contains 300 aphorisms taken from Baltasar Grecian’s numerous scholarly volumes. He lived around the 16th century teaching and writing. Not a whole lot is known about the author but he was a member of “the society of Jesus” which was a scholarly and academic group.

These aphorisms cover an enormous amount of subject areas. The following are just a small sample of the topics covered: Mind and spirit, nature and art, fortune and fame, accomplish your ends, the art of being lucky, be gracious, think, never exaggerate, be shrewd, but not too shrewd, have strength of spirit, never lose your head, work with good tools, know how to refuse, generous in action, the art of living well, attain, and maintain a reputation, deal solely with men of honor, never talk about yourself, and many other bits of great advice.

If you are a seeker of knowledge and bits of wisdom from the ancient masters, you may want to check out this book. Even though the writing style is not always clear (could be because of the translation) or easy to understand: nevertheless, this is still an excellent book to read. Some of the bits of wisdom are a pure joy to read.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku).

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17 people found this helpful

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wiredweird
A life well lived
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2005
Verified Purchase
If Gracián describes your life, then you are living very, very well.

These few hundred brief, oblique, and aphoristic guidelines come down from the 17th century, but are as fresh and true as today's "talk" with your boss. They describe honor, skill, honesty, and trust. They describe the times when each must be pressed, and when each must be left behind. Gracián states again and again how each moment nurtures some effort or other, and how each kind of effort must await its moment. He also prescribes a peaceful mind, most times. That means letting go of matters that do not matter, for your own sake, for mercy towards those around you who may suffer brief lapses, and for your reputation as a person of judegement.

I fault Gracián for exactly one lack: continuous and clear-eyed self criticism. The essence of all art and all science, in terms of daily practice, is the ability to look at one's own work, and to see clearly what parts succeed and what parts fail. Somehow, Gracián missed the bravery required to tear down your own work when it needs to be torn down, in order to build up something more worthy in its place. I also question Gracián's central emphasis on luck, on the benificent forces of the stars. I have seen luck, good and bad, and have always seen that it is a thing a person creates for him/herself. In my own life, I acknowledge random effects for good or bad, but I see little or no "luck."

Gracián's essential message describes a person of honor, determination, insight, and adaptability. This person, in the end, can only succeed. This is a book to read, to re-read, and to re-read again. Mark it up, add your thoughts - it can only become more true.

//wiredweird

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18 people found this helpful

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Divinorum
A "Top 10" Read that you're sure to reference time and time again...
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2011
Verified Purchase
As a generally well read person familiar with much in the way of 'wisdom literature,' I was surprised that I'd never heard of this little gem when a client recommended it. Its subtitle is "A Pocket Oracle" and it charmingly lives up to that and more. The book is comprised of 300 'wisdom packets' or 'doses' that are succinctly delivered in short lengths of approximately 9 to 19 lines each. Each one starts with a broad piece of advice followed up by explication. The broad range of topics include such things as proper attitudes to strategies in communication, love, politics and commerce. You can easily benefit by even picking any random page and reading a couple of 'doses' at a time. The books admirers include such luminaries as Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche, the latter of whom attested: "Europe never produced anything finer or more complicated in matters of moral subtlety."
One of the shortest and best of the 300 little 'wisdom packets' is this:
"Know your Major Defect. Every talent is balanced by a fault, and if you give in to it, it will govern you like a tyrant. You can begin to overthrow it by paying heed to it: begin to conquer it by identifying it. Pay it the same attention as those who reproach you for it. To master yourself, you must reflect upon yourself. Once this imperfectio has surrendered, all others will follow."
If you truly appreciate deeper wisdom emanating from astute observation, then you'll find this to be one of the most practical books on your shelf that you're sure to reference time and time again no matter what your station in life.

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9 people found this helpful

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Pugla
300 points to live better
Reviewed in Japan on March 30, 2010
Verified Purchase

Do you want to have some good ideas to ponder when you have a little time. Read a point and think about it. This is a wonderful book and I wish I would have read it when I was younger. It would have helped me a lot. Why do some of the best books never get recommended more by people you teach us. I book for meditating on and it is still very useful for life today.

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Patrick Sullivan
A Superb Job By Gracian!
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2011
Verified Purchase
I had some rather large reservations when I purchased this book. I had no interest in some life prescription, involving eating fish on Friday. Well was I in for a rather pleasant surprise. This book is nothing short of amazing! I guess it is no surprise, that Gracian`s writings got him trouble with Church authorities.
The book lists three hundred aphorisms. These life lessons can be applied to any era, or nationality. Gracians observations and recommendations are not only timeless, but also quite brilliant. Gracian also has a rather sharp dividing line. Most of his observations are divided along the lines of wise people, versus the world of fools. He then compares the resulting action of a prudent person, with the action of a foolish person.
Bottom line; do yourself a favour, and pick up a copy of this book.

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JAVIER L.
Lectura Valiosísima.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
El libro es una joya de ideas presentadas de una manera clara.

Extravié una copia anterior y después de mucho buscar, la encontré ahora en Amazon. Creo que ésta versión en inglés resulta más sencilla, fácil de comprender que una o dos que he visto en español, donde el lenguaje y la escritura resultan más complejas, rebuscadas.

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Mosi Soli
The best book
Reviewed in Germany on December 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
One of the best books i have recently read. these days I have it with me all the time. It is very easy to read and learn from and the fact that you can open to any page you wish.

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G.C.
Tutto
Reviewed in Italy on September 20, 2020
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Ottimo

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge without wisdom is an wasted

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love reading short but meaningful bits of advice, you should check out this interesting book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A life well lived

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Top 10" Read that you're sure to reference time and time again...

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars 300 points to live better

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Job By Gracian!

5.0 out of 5 stars Lectura Valiosísima.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book

5.0 out of 5 stars Tutto

Knowledge without wisdom is an wasted

If you love reading short but meaningful bits of advice, you should check out this interesting book.

A life well lived

A "Top 10" Read that you're sure to reference time and time again...

300 points to live better

A Superb Job By Gracian!

Lectura Valiosísima.

The best book

Tutto