Baltasar Gracian

Better mad with the rest of the world than wise alone.

Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.

Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.

Know or listen to those who know.

The wise does at once what the fool does at last.

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.

Always leave something to wish for; otherwise you will be miserable from your very happiness.

Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.

Dreams will get you nowhere, a good kick in the pants will take you a long way.

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.

Never have a companion that casts you in the shade.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.