The Art of Worldly Wisdom: A Pocket Oracle

Review of: "The Art of Worldly Wisdom: A Pocket Oracle" by Baltasar Gracian. Baltasar Gracian was a Jesuit teaching in colleges across the Kingdom of Aragon in addition to being the confessor to the viceroy of Aragon and chaplain to the Spanish army at the siege of Lleida. His later fame was premised on his being considered one of the great Spanish stylists and moralists of the mid-seventeenth century. The Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence was published in 1647. It was based upon Gracian's own experiences and consists of a collection of three-hundred aphorisms offering "pragmatic, hard-headed and coldly calculated advice" on how to thrive in the cut-throat world of Baroque society. Each of the three-hundred units in the book consists of an initial aphorism/maxim followed by a commentary. For example, [aphorism] 267: "Silken words, and Mild Nature: Arrows pierce the body, but harsh words the soul. A pill can make your breath smell sweet, and to know how to sell air is one of life's subtlest skills. Most things are bought with words, and they're enough to achieve the impossible. All our dealings are in the air, and the breath of a prince greatly inspires. So your mouth should always be full of sugar to sweeten your words so that they taste good even to your enemies. The only way to be loved is to be sweet-natured." This book is comparable to Machiavelli's "The Prince," Benvenuto Cellini's "Autobiography," and Baldesar Castiglione's "The Book of the Courtier" but is much more useful in illuminating the human condition of how and why we act the way we do. As applicable today as when written and very masterfully composed. The only caveat to the reader is that it may remind him or her of many people they know, perhaps even themselves. Recommended as a guide to navigate through the corridors of power; the boardroom or the bedroom, it is a must have. Recommended without hesitation or reservation at five+ stars.

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

Everyone would benefit from reading and applying the wisdom this little book offers.

If you love the 48 Laws of Power, you are definitely going to like this. The Art of Worldly Wisdom reminds me like the book of Proverbs which provide insights into how to live a good life. We can all do with some help and what better way than to learn it from those you went before us. 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 it. The book you don't read, won't help. Invest in yourself today, and pick up the Art of Worldly Wisdom. You will be glad you did.

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).

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.

Thanks Booklovers Delight!

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.

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.

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.