Jesus exhorted his disciples to be as harmless as doves but as wise as snakes. Spanish Jesuit priest Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658) followed this teaching to the letter. A theologian known for his rousing sermons (including his coup-de-theatre - reading out a "letter from Hell), he was also the author of "El Discreto" (or "The Complete Gentleman") and "The Pocket Oracle", a collection of witty and wily maxims meant to help the reader achieve success in a perilous, less-than-perfect society. Brilliantly written, "The Oracle" is clearly the work of a penetrating and observant mind. Gracian provides us with some surprisingly insightful advice as to how to address our all-too-human frailties and how to behave when confronted with the weaknesses (or malice) of others.

This edition presents a selection from Gracian's work and shows it to be as fresh and relevant as ever. ( )

Jesus exhorted his disciples to be as harmless as doves but as wise as snakes. Spanish Jesuit priest Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658) followed this teaching to the letter. A theologian known for his rousing sermons (including his coup-de-theatre - reading out a "letter from Hell), he was also the author of "El Discreto" (or "The Complete Gentleman") and "The Pocket Oracle", a collection of witty and wily maxims meant to help the reader achieve success in a perilous, less-than-perfect society. Brilliantly written, "The Oracle" is clearly the work of a penetrating and observant mind. Gracian provides us with some surprisingly insightful advice as to how to address our all-too-human frailties and how to behave when confronted with the weaknesses (or malice) of others.

This edition presents a selection from Gracian's work and shows it to be as fresh and relevant as ever. ( )

I'm gonna give it 3⭐, though that feels a touch generous, for the curiosity of it.

There is some good advice, although a lot of it is common sense (surely). There writing is very tired and dry and lacks any real personality or intrigue. There is also a lot of outdated advice, although that is to be expected considering the age of it.

An interesting read, but lacking the personality to be a good one. ( )

I'm gonna give it 3⭐, though that feels a touch generous, for the curiosity of it.

There is some good advice, although a lot of it is common sense (surely). There writing is very tired and dry and lacks any real personality or intrigue. There is also a lot of outdated advice, although that is to be expected considering the age of it.

An interesting read, but lacking the personality to be a good one. ( )

These pithy and worldly small essays are more cynical than Macchiavelli. Both authors offer advice in how to manipulate and exploit people, but at least Macchiavelli did so in pursuit of a political aim of "good governance." Gracian, however, seems motivated only by personal interest and self-advancement. The concepts are clear and sometimes wittily stated, but arch aphorisms can go only so far. As a slim volume of 54 pages, it was sharp and sometimes amusing, but more would have been wearisome. ( )