The Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence (Penguin Classics)

The advice and observations are timeless and harsh. You won't like them if you want to hear how wonderful people are.

If you like Machiavelli or Robert Greene of the Powers of series, then this is the book for you. In itemized summary of thought: The breadth of subject and circumstance is wide, and its explanations are deep for each saying. I would say it's better than the aforementioned authors above because it covers so much and well-rounded.

I have friends who read The Prince like a bible, and its true that Machiavelli is worthy of repeated study, both as a period piece and window into the Renaissance Italian soul, and as possibly the most notorious treatise on Realpolitik ever written. Machiavelli, like Nietzsche, has been misused by the unscrupulous and decried by the ignorant; also, IMHO, both writers were actually better historians and analysts than they were philosophers per se. Baltasar Gracian, in the Pocket Oracle, has accomplished what Niccolo never could, nor would have wanted to: a day to day primer of sage advice from a trained Jesuit mind who walked and worked in the highest halls of power in his time. The lessons are pithy and epigrammatic, both simple yet deserving of deep reflection and consideration and, most importantly, are eminently USEFUL in almost every interpersonal interaction in your day to day life, whether you are a dish washer or a senator -- his teachings are that universal. Robert Greene strip-mined Gracian for 48 Laws of Power, but again IMHO, it's always best to refer back to the seminal source even after being presented with a good a digest as Greene presented. This is the Penguin edition, so you of course have the value added of their wonderful introductions, with historical references anchoring Gracian's life and the impact of the Oracle itself. Also, this translation is, I feel, much better than those I've seen marketed under the variant title Art of Worldly Wisdom. I read this book everyday. I recommend it to every man woman or child that wants to live their very best. Gracian was one of the wisest men who ever lived, and this is the free distillation of his wisdom.

VERY GOOD, GOOD PRICE, GOOD BOOCK ARRIVED A LITTLE LATER A RECOMEDE PURCHASE THIS BOOCK FOR BETTER YOU LIFE NOW

The author gives excellent advice worthy of repetitious reading! Much wisdom that can only be attained by the self mastery required to practice the virtues presented in the well chosen words of this book.

This is not a story, but an excellent example of the "pocket mirrors", little books of advice for leaders and princes going back to the Middle Ages. Balthasar Gracian was a Jesuit, and as many Jesuits of his time, rubbed shoulders with the elite and powerful far and wide. Jesuits are Catholic priests, considered the "marines of the Church", and thus are painfully practical, educated men, deeply dedicated to understanding the way things work, in order to reveal the most effective strategies for missionaries and workers of GOD. This book primarily focuses on personal improvement, self-discipline, courtly manners and courtesy, and influencing the movers and shakers of the world. Considered perhaps too concerned with the material world, many of Gracian's books were frowned upon by his superiors, not because they were bad advice or lead anyone astray, but because they were primarily concerned with worldly matters of state and state craft, rather than the spiritual realms.

A famous book from Spain, written some 350 ago by an iconoclastic Jesuit, has been translated into English - the best translation ever! Thank you, Mr. Robbins, for doing such an excellent job, where over time many have already stumbled - and even miserably failed. Peter Paulenz, Germany

I am so very pleased to have it! You guys are The Best!

Baltasar Gracián’s Pocket Oracle gives more or less cynical advice for all those who want to dominate in the world and to become a ‘true hero’ (300). The end justifies all means. His Oracle has often been compared to ‘Il Principe’ by Niccolò Machiavelli. But, Machiavelli’s book is an urgent call to Lorenzo de’Medici, il Magnifico to seize power and stop the bloodshed brought on the population by the constant fighting between the aristocratic power houses in Italy in the 15th/16th century. His aim was forced peace, not war. In the Pocket Oracle, we are dealing with a Jesuit whose only aim is to get a maximum return on one’s own strength and to exploit the weaknesses of one’s opponents. His aim is (psychological) warfare, not peace, although also for him ‘from tolerance arises peace, the inestimable joy of the world’ (159). As basic axioms one could choose the following aphorisms: ‘you are as much as you know’ (4), ‘trust in today’s friends as if tomorrow’s worst enemies’ (217), ‘the circumspect are always on the side of reason, not passion’ (142) and ‘things don’t pass for what they are, but for what they seem’ (130). His tactics are Slyness: ‘When you can’t wear a lion’s skin, wear a fox’s skin.’ (220) Dissimulation: ‘The most practical kind of knowledge is dissimulation; whoever plays their hand openly runs the risk of losing.’ (98) Opportunism: ‘Live as circumstances demand. Ruling, reasoning, everything must be opportune.’ (288) Caution: ‘A person who is cautious is clearly prudent. The tongue is ferocious; once let loose, it’s very difficult to chain it up again.’ (222) Temperance, self-control, peace of mind (Epicurianism): ‘Imperturbability, the spirit’s most sublime quality. (8), and ‘Practice sels-restraint.’ (207) Manipulation, Deception: ‘Know how to deflect trouble on to someone else.’ (149) World-view and religion Baltasar Gracián’s world-view is fundamentally pessimistic: ‘life is a campaign against malice’ (13), ‘sincere people are loved, but deceived’ (219), ‘lies are commonplace’ (154), ‘stupidity has sized hold of the world (201), ‘few can do good, but almost everyone harm’ (257) and ‘there are whole nations inclined to false conduct: treachery, fickleness, deceit’. (280) For a Jesuit as Baltasar Gracián, even in religious matters, manipulation is the name of the game: ‘Even in matters concerning heaven, Christian teachers recommend such holy astuteness. It’s an important kind of dissimulation, because the perceived benefit is just the bait to catch another’s will.’ (144) The plebs Baltasar Gracián has a deep contempt for the plebs: ‘Take no pleasure in the miracles of the mob, which are merely foolish bedazzlements, common stupidity being astonished.’ (28); ‘A lukewarm ‘yes’ from an outstanding man is worth more than the applause of the rabble, whose belches don’t inspire.’ (281), and ‘Common anger is normally like an angry dog which, not knowing the reason for its pain, attacks the instrument that inflicts it.’ (187) This book is an excellent and easily readable text by Jeremy Robbins, who also wrote a very informative introduction. Not only for the cynical.

I bought The Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence on Amazon, and the package arrived on time and in perfect condition. This book is a timeless collection of wisdom that feels surprisingly relevant even today. Each aphorism is concise yet thought-provoking, offering practical advice on judgment, self-control, and navigating social and professional life. It is not a book to rush through, but one to read slowly and return to often. I appreciated how Gracián’s insights encourage reflection and personal growth, making it suitable for both modern readers and lovers of classic philosophy. The compact format makes it easy to keep close at hand. A valuable and elegant book that rewards careful reading.

essential for every serious collection of wisdom books. But be carefull - sometimes in collision with christian values because the book encourages petty politics and machiavellism.

not many know of baltasar ....

An ocean of wisdom in a small book .Very thought provoking and intriguing .