Balthasar Gracian (Book order)

Balthasar Gracian Book order

Baltasar Gracián was a Spanish Jesuit and prose writer of the Baroque era, whose proto-existentialist writings were lauded by Nietzsche and Schopenhauer. He became renowned as a preacher and a leading theoretician of the literary style known as conceptismo, which reached its apex in his works. Gracián focused on crafting pieces that proposed models for courtly conduct and prudent behavior. His style, characterized by wit and wordplay, left a lasting legacy in Spanish literature.

The Art of Worldly Wisdom

88 pages
4 hours of reading

4.4(3)Add rating

Balthasar Gracian's collection features three hundred maxims that explore various aspects of life and human behavior, reflecting his deep philosophical insights. As a Spanish Jesuit Priest, his work faced disapproval from superiors, yet it garnered admiration from thinkers like Schopenhauer and Nietzsche for its profound observations. This timeless guide to self-improvement is positioned alongside classical works such as Epictetus's Enchiridion and Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, offering valuable wisdom for navigating the complexities of life.