201. They are all fools who seem so besides half the rest. Folly arose with the world, and if there be any wisdom it is folly compared with the divine. But the greatest fool is he who thinks he is not one and all others are. To be wise It is not enough to seem wise, least of all to oneself. He knows who does not think that he knows, and he does not see who does not see that others see. Though all the world is full of fools, there is none that thinks himself one, or even suspects the fact.
201. Everyone seems foolish compared to at least half the population. Foolishness has existed since the beginning of time, and even what we consider wisdom pales in comparison to divine knowledge. The biggest fool, however, is the person who believes they're immune to foolishness while seeing it in everyone else. True wisdom isn't about appearing wise, especially to oneself. The wise person recognizes their own ignorance, while the fool fails to see that others can see through them. Despite the world being full of fools, not one of them considers themselves foolish or even suspects they might be.
202. Words and deeds make the perfect man. One should speak well and act honourably: the one is an excellence of the head, the other of the heart, and both arise from nobility of soul. Words are the shadows of deeds; the former are feminine, the latter masculine. It is more important to be renowned than to convey renown. Speech is easy, action hard. Actions are the stuff of life, words its frippery. Eminent deeds endure, striking words pass away. Actions are the fruit of thought; if this is wise, they are effective.
202. Words and actions create the ideal person. Speak well and act honorably: the former demonstrates intelligence, the latter shows character, and both stem from a noble spirit. Words reflect actions; speech is feminine, deeds masculine. Being praiseworthy matters more than praising others. Talking is simple, doing is challenging. Actions form life's substance, while words are merely decorative. Great deeds last, while impressive speech fades. Actions result from thought; wise thinking leads to effective doing.
203. Know the great men of your age. They are not many. There is one Phoenix in the whole world, one great general, one perfect orator, one true philosopher in a century, a really illustrious king in several. Mediocrities are as numerous as they are worth-less: eminent greatness is rare in every respect, since it needs complete perfection, and the higher the species the more difficult is the highest rank in it. Many have claimed the title "Great," like Cæsar and Alexander, but in vain, for without great deeds the title is a mere breath of air. There have been few Senecas, and fame records but one Apelles.
203. Recognize the truly exceptional individuals of your time. They are few and far between. In each generation, there may be only one unparalleled genius, one outstanding military leader, one consummate orator, or one genuine philosopher. Even across centuries, there might be just one truly remarkable monarch. Mediocrity is commonplace and unremarkable, while true greatness is rare in all aspects. Achieving excellence requires perfection, and the more prestigious the field, the harder it is to reach its pinnacle. Many have sought the title "Great," like Caesar and Alexander, but without remarkable achievements, such titles are meaningless. History remembers only a handful of individuals like Seneca, and art history speaks of just one Apelles.
204. Attempt easy tasks as if they were difficult, and difficult as if they were easy. In the one case that confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it may not be dismayed. For a thing to remain undone nothing more is needed than to think it done. On the other hand, patient industry overcomes impossibilities. Great undertakings are not to be brooded over, lest their difficulty when seen causes despair.
204. Approach simple tasks as if they were challenging, and complex ones as if they were straightforward. This keeps you alert for the easy tasks and prevents discouragement for the difficult ones. Remember, assuming something is already done is often why it remains unfinished. Conversely, persistent effort can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. Don't dwell too long on major projects; overanalyzing their complexity might lead to hopelessness.
205. Know how to play the card of contempt. It is a shrewd way of getting things you want, by affecting to depreciate them: generally they are not to be had when sought for, but fall into one's hands when one is not looking for them. As all mundane things are but shadows of the things eternal, they share with shadows this quality, that they flee from him who follows them and follow him that flees from them. Contempt is besides the most subtle form of revenge. It is a fixed rule with the wise never to defend themselves with the pen. For such defence always leaves a stain, and does more to glorify one's opponent than to punish his offence. It is a trick of the worthless to stand forth as opponents of great men, so as to win notoriety by a roundabout way, which they would never do by the straight road of merit. There are many we would not have heard of if their eminent opponents had not taken notice of them. There is no revenge like oblivion, through which they are buried in the dust of their unworthiness. Audacious persons hope to make themselves eternally famous by setting fire to one of the wonders of the world and of the ages. The art of reproving scandal is to take no notice of it, to combat it damages our own case; even if credited it causes discredit, and is a source of satisfaction to our opponent, for this shadow of a stain dulls the lustre of our fame even if it cannot altogether deaden it.
205. Know how to play the card of contempt. It's a clever way to get what you want by pretending to devalue it. Often, things are unavailable when sought after, but fall into our laps when we're not looking. Like shadows of eternal things, worldly matters flee from those who chase them and follow those who ignore them. Contempt is also the subtlest form of revenge. Wise people never defend themselves in writing, as it always leaves a mark and glorifies the opponent more than it punishes the offense. It's a tactic of the unworthy to oppose great individuals for roundabout notoriety, which they'd never achieve through merit. Many would remain unknown if their distinguished opponents hadn't acknowledged them. There's no revenge like oblivion, which buries the unworthy in the dust of their insignificance. Bold individuals hope to achieve eternal fame by destroying wonders of the world and ages. The art of countering scandal is to ignore it. Fighting it harms our position; even if believed, it discredits us and pleases our opponent, as this shadow of a stain dims our reputation's shine, even if it can't extinguish it completely.
206. Know that there are vulgar natures everywhere, even in Corinth itself, even in the highest families. Every one may try the experiment within his own gates. But there is also such a thing as vulgar opposition to vulgarity, which is worse. This special kind shares all the qualities of the common kind, just as bits of a broken glass: but this kind is still more pernicious; it speaks folly, blames impertinently, is a disciple of ignorance, a patron of folly, and past master of scandal; you need not notice what it says, still less what it thinks. It is important to know vulgarity in order to avoid it, whether it is subjective or objective. For all folly is vulgarity, and the vulgar consist of fools.
206. Vulgarity exists everywhere, even in prestigious places and families. You can find examples in your own surroundings. However, opposing vulgarity in a vulgar way is even worse. This type of opposition shares all the qualities of common vulgarity, like shards of broken glass, but is more harmful. It speaks nonsense, criticizes inappropriately, embraces ignorance, encourages foolishness, and excels at spreading gossip. You should ignore what it says and especially what it thinks. It's crucial to recognize vulgarity in both yourself and others to avoid it. Remember, all foolishness is vulgar, and vulgar people are fools.
207. Be moderate. One has to consider the chance of a mischance. The impulses of the passions cause prudence to slip, and there is the risk of ruin. A moment of wrath or of pleasure carries you on farther than many hours of calm, and often a short diversion may put a whole life to shame. The cunning of others uses such moments of temptation to search the recesses of the mind: they use such thumbscrews as are wont to test the best caution. Moderation serves as a counterplot, especially in sudden emergencies. Much thought is needed to prevent a passion taking the bit in the teeth, and he is doubly wise who is wise on horseback. He who knows the danger may with care pursue his journey. Light as a word may appear to him who throws it out, it may import much to him that hears it and ponders on it.
207. Be moderate. Consider the possibility of misfortune. Passionate impulses can cloud judgment, risking ruin. A brief moment of anger or pleasure can carry you further than hours of calm, and a short distraction can bring shame to an entire life. Cunning individuals exploit these vulnerable moments to probe the depths of your mind, using tactics that challenge even the most cautious. Moderation serves as a defense, especially in sudden crises. Careful thought is necessary to control passion, and true wisdom is displayed in challenging situations. Those who recognize danger can proceed with caution. A word may seem insignificant to the speaker, but it can carry great weight for the listener who reflects on it.
208. Do not die of the fools' disease. The wise generally die after they have lost their reason: fools before they have found it. To die of the fools' disease is to die of too much thought. Some die because they think and feel too much: others live because they do not think and feel: these are fools because they do not die of sorrow, the others because they do. A fool is he that dies of too much knowledge: thus some die because they are too knowing, others because they are not knowing enough. Yet though many die like fools, few die fools.
208. Avoid succumbing to overthinking. The wise typically pass away after losing their mental faculties, while fools die before ever finding theirs. Dying from overthinking is the "fools' disease." Some perish from excessive thought and emotion, while others survive through a lack of both. The latter are fools for not dying of grief, the former for doing so. A fool is one who dies from an excess of knowledge: some die because they know too much, others because they know too little. Yet, while many may die foolishly, few actually die as fools.
209. Keep yourself free from common follies. This is a special stroke of policy. They are of special power because they are general, so that many who would not be led away by any individual folly cannot escape the universal failing. Among these are to be counted the common prejudice that any one is satisfied with his fortune, however great, or unsatisfied with his intellect, however poor it is. Or again, that each, being discontented with his own lot, envies that of others; or further, that persons of to-day praise the things of yesterday, and those here the things there. Everything past seems best and everything distant is more valued. He is as great a fool that laughs at all as he that weeps at all.
209. Avoid common pitfalls. This is a crucial strategy. These mistakes are powerful because they're widespread, ensnaring even those who'd resist individual errors. Examples include the widespread belief that people are content with their wealth, no matter how vast, yet dissatisfied with their intelligence, no matter how limited. Another is the tendency to envy others' circumstances while being unhappy with one's own. People often idealize the past and romanticize faraway places. Remember, blindly praising everything is as foolish as constantly complaining.
210. Know how to play the card of truth. ’Tis dangerous, yet a good man cannot avoid speaking it. But great skill is needed here: the most expert doctors of the soul pay great attention to the means of sweetening the pill of truth. For when it deals with the destroying of illusion it is the quintessence of bitterness. A pleasant manner has here an opportunity for a display of skill: with the same truth it can flatter one and fell another to the ground. Matters of to-day should be treated as if they were long past. For those who can understand a word is sufficient, and if it does not suffice, it is a case for silence. Princes must not be cured with bitter draughts; it is therefore desirable in their case to gild the pill of disillusion.
210. Know how to play the truth card wisely. It's risky, but a good person can't avoid speaking it. Great skill is needed here: even the most experienced mentors carefully consider how to soften the blow of truth. When it comes to shattering illusions, truth can be incredibly harsh. A pleasant approach can showcase one's expertise: the same truth can uplift one person and devastate another. Treat current issues as if they were ancient history. For the perceptive, a hint is enough, and if it's not, silence is best. Leaders shouldn't be treated with harsh remedies; it's better to sugarcoat the pill of reality for them.
211. In heaven all is bliss: in hell all misery. On earth, between the two, both one thing and the other. We stand between the two extremes, and therefore share both. Fate varies: all is not good luck nor all mischance. This world is merely zero: by itself it is of no value, but with Heaven in Front of it, it means much. Indifference at its ups and downs is prudent, nor is there any novelty for the wise. Our life gets as complicated as a comedy as it goes on, but the complications get gradually resolved: see that the curtain comes down on a good dénoûment.
211. In heaven, pure joy reigns; in hell, utter misery. Earth exists between these extremes, offering a mix of both. We inhabit this middle ground, experiencing highs and lows. Life is unpredictable: neither entirely fortunate nor completely unlucky. This world alone has no inherent value, like a zero, but with Heaven before it, it gains significance. It's wise to remain level-headed through life's ups and downs, and the experienced person finds nothing truly surprising. As we progress, our lives become as intricate as a play, with complications that gradually unravel. Strive to ensure your story concludes on a positive note.
212. Keep to yourself the final touches of your art. This is a maxim of the great masters who pride themselves on this subtlety in teaching their pupils: one must always remain superior, remain master. One must teach an art artfully. The source of knowledge need not be pointed out no more than that of giving. By this means a man preserves the respect and the dependence of others. In amusing and teaching you must keep to the rule: keep up expectation and advance in perfection. To keep a reserve is a great rule for life and for success, especially for those in high place.
212. Keep the finishing touches of your craft to yourself. This is a principle followed by great masters who take pride in subtly teaching their students. Always maintain your superiority and mastery. Teach your art skillfully, without revealing all your sources of knowledge or methods. This approach preserves others' respect and reliance on you. When entertaining or instructing, follow this rule: maintain anticipation and continually improve. Holding something back is a key strategy for life and success, particularly for those in positions of power.
213. Know how to contradict. A chief means of finding things out—to embarrass others without being embarrassed. The true thumbscrew, it brings the passions into play. Tepid incredulity acts as an emetic on secrets. It is the key to a locked-up breast, and with great subtlety makes a double trial of both mind and will. A sly depreciation of another's mysterious word scents out the profoundest secrets; some sweet bait brings them into the mouth till they fall from the tongue and are caught in the net of astute deceit. By reserving your attention the other becomes less attentive, and lets his thoughts appear while otherwise his heart were inscrutable. An affected doubt is the subtlest picklock that curiosity can use to find out what it wants to know. Also in learning it is a subtle plan of the pupil to contradict the master, who thereupon takes pains to explain the truth more thoroughly and with more force, so that a moderate contradiction produces complete instruction.
213.Know how to challenge ideas effectively. It's a key skill for uncovering information and understanding others' thoughts without compromising yourself. This technique, when used skillfully, can reveal hidden emotions and motivations. A gentle expression of doubt can prompt people to divulge secrets they might otherwise keep. It's like a key that unlocks guarded minds, subtly testing both intellect and resolve. Cleverly downplaying someone's mysterious comments can lead them to reveal deeper secrets. A well-placed question can draw out information until it falls into the net of skillful inquiry. By appearing less interested, you may cause others to become less guarded, allowing their true thoughts to surface when they might otherwise remain hidden. Feigning doubt is a sophisticated tool that curiosity can employ to uncover desired information. In learning situations, students can use measured disagreement to encourage teachers to explain concepts more thoroughly and convincingly. A moderate challenge often results in a more comprehensive explanation.
214. Do not turn one blunder into two. It is quite usual to commit four others in order to remedy one, or to excuse one piece of impertinence by still another. Folly is either related to, or identical with the family of Lies, for in both cases it needs many to support one. The worst of a bad case is having to fight it, and worse than the ill itself is not being able to conceal it. The annuity of one failing serves to support many others. A wise man may make one slip but never two, and that only in running, not while standing still.
214. Don't compound your mistakes. It's common to make several errors while trying to fix one, or to excuse one thoughtless act with another. Foolishness is closely related to dishonesty, as both require multiple falsehoods to maintain a single lie. The worst part of a bad situation is having to defend it, and even worse than the problem itself is the inability to hide it. One ongoing mistake often leads to many others. A wise person may slip up once, but never twice, and only when taking action, not when standing still.
215. Watch him that acts on second thoughts. It is a device of business men to put the opponent off his guard before attacking him, and thus to conquer by being defeated: they dissemble their desire so as to attain it. They put themselves second so as to come out first in the final spurt. This method rarely fails if it is not noticed. Let therefore the attention never sleep when the intention is so wide awake. And if the other puts himself second so to hide his plan, put yourself first to discover it. Prudence can discern the artifices which such a man uses, and notices the pretexts he puts forward to gain his ends. He aims at one thing to get another: then he turns round smartly and fires straight at his target. It is well to know what you grant him, and at times it is desirable to give him to understand that you understand.
215. Watch out for those who change their minds. Business people often use this tactic to catch opponents off guard before striking. They feign defeat to achieve victory, disguising their true desires. By seemingly putting themselves second, they aim to finish first. This strategy often succeeds if undetected. Stay alert when others have hidden agendas. If someone appears to take a backseat, put yourself first to uncover their plan. Use wisdom to spot their tricks and excuses. They may aim for one thing to get another, then swiftly turn to hit their real target. Be aware of what you're agreeing to, and sometimes it's wise to let them know you're onto their game.
216. Be expressive. This depends not only on the clearness but also on the vivacity of your thoughts. Some have an easy conception but a hard labour, for without clearness the children of the mind, thoughts and judgments, cannot be brought into the world. Many have a capacity like that of vessels with a large mouth and a small vent. Others again say more than they think. Resolution for the will, expression for the thought: two great gifts. Plausible minds are applauded: yet confused ones are often venerated just because they are not understood, and at times obscurity is convenient if you wish to avoid vulgarity; yet how shall the audience understand one that connects no definite idea with what he says?
216. Be expressive. This relies on both clear and lively thoughts. Some people grasp ideas easily but struggle to articulate them. Without clarity, thoughts and judgments—the mind's offspring—can't be shared effectively. Many have a mindset like a wide-mouthed jar with a tiny opening. Others talk more than they think. Decisiveness in action and eloquence in speech are two valuable skills. While articulate thinkers are praised, confusing ones are often revered simply because they're not understood. Sometimes, obscurity is useful to avoid seeming commonplace. But how can an audience comprehend someone who doesn't attach clear ideas to their words?
217. Neither love nor hate, for ever. Trust the friends of to-day as if they will be enemies to-morrow, and that of the worst kind. As this happens in reality, let it happen in your precaution. Do not put weapons in the hand for deserters from friendship to wage war with. On the other hand, leave the door of reconciliation open for enemies, and if it is also the gate of generosity so much the more safe. The vengeance of long ago is at times the torment of to-day, and the joy over the ill we have done is turned to grief,
217. Don't love or hate unconditionally. Treat today's friends as if they might become tomorrow's worst enemies. Since this often happens in real life, be prepared for it. Don't give potential turncoats ammunition to use against you. At the same time, keep the door open for reconciliation with enemies, especially if it allows you to be generous. Old vengeance can become today's torment, and the joy we once felt in harming others can turn to regret.
218. Never act from obstinacy but from knowledge. All obstinacy is an excrescence of the mind, a grandchild of passion which never did anything right. There are persons who make a war out of everything, real banditti of intercourse. All that they undertake must end in victory; they do not know how to get on in peace. Such men are fatal when they rule and govern, for they make government rebellion, and enemies out of those whom they ought to regard as children. They try to effect everything with strategy and treat it as the fruit of their skill. But when others have recognised their perverse humour all revolt against them and learn to overturn their chimerical plans, and they succeed in nothing but only heap up a mass of troubles, since everything serves to increase their disappointment. They have a head turned and a heart spoilt. Nothing can be done with such monsters except to flee from them, even to the antipodes, where the savagery is easier to bear than their loathsome nature.
218. Never act out of stubbornness, but from understanding. Stubbornness is a flaw of the mind, born from passion, which never leads to good outcomes. Some people turn everything into a battle, behaving like social bandits. They must win at all costs and don't know how to exist peacefully. These individuals are dangerous when in power, as they turn leadership into tyranny and treat those they should nurture as enemies. They approach everything with cunning, claiming success as proof of their skill. However, once others recognize their twisted nature, they rebel and work to dismantle their unrealistic plans. As a result, these stubborn leaders achieve nothing but create a mountain of problems, only adding to their frustration. Their minds are warped and their hearts are bitter. The only solution when dealing with such difficult people is to avoid them completely, even to the ends of the earth, where facing actual savages would be easier than enduring their insufferable nature.
219. Do not pass for a hypocrite, though such men are indispensable nowadays. Be considered rather prudent than astute. Sincerity in behaviour pleases all, though not all can show it in their own affairs. Sincerity should not degenerate into simplicity nor sagacity into cunning. Be rather respected as wise than feared as sly. The open-hearted are loved but deceived. The great art consists in disclosing what is thought to be deceit. In the golden age simplicity flourished, in these days of iron cunning. 'The reputation of being a man who knows what he has to do is honourable and inspires confidence, but to be considered a hypocrite is deceptive and arouses mistrust.
219. Don't be seen as a hypocrite, even though such people are common today. It's better to be thought of as prudent rather than cunning. Everyone appreciates sincerity in behavior, though not all can demonstrate it themselves. Sincerity shouldn't become naivety, nor should wisdom turn into trickery. Aim to be respected for your wisdom rather than feared for your craftiness. Open-hearted people are loved but often taken advantage of. The real skill lies in revealing what others think is deception. In the past, simplicity was valued; today, cunning is prized. Being known as someone who understands their responsibilities is honorable and inspires trust, while being seen as a hypocrite is misleading and breeds suspicion.
220. If you cannot clothe yourself in lionskin use foxpelt. To follow the times is to lead them. He that gets what he wants never loses his reputation. Cleverness when force will not do. One way or another, the king's highway of valour or the bypath of cunning. Skill has effected more than force, and astuteness has conquered courage more often than the other way. When you cannot get a thing then is the time to despise it.
220. When strength fails, use cunning. Adapt to the times and you'll stay ahead. Achieving your goals maintains your reputation. Intelligence often succeeds where brute force fails. Choose your path wisely: the direct route of courage or the subtle path of cleverness. Skill has accomplished more than raw power, and wit has often overcome bravery. If something is out of reach, learn to dismiss its importance.
221. Do not seize occasions to embarrass yourself or others. There are some men stumbling-blocks of good manners either for themselves or for others: they are always on the point of some stupidity. You meet with them easily and part from them uneasily. A hundred annoyances a day is nothing to them. Their humour always strokes the wrong way since they contradict all and every. They put on the judgment cap wrong side foremost and thus condemn all. Yet the greatest test of others' patience and prudence are just those who do no good and speak ill of all. There are many monsters in the wide realm of Indecorum.
221. Don't create opportunities to embarrass yourself or others. Some people are walking disasters when it comes to good manners, always on the verge of doing something stupid. They're easy to meet but hard to leave. They cause countless annoyances daily without a second thought. Their mood always rubs people the wrong way, as they contradict everyone and everything. They form opinions without proper consideration, judging all unfairly. The greatest test of patience and wisdom comes from those who contribute nothing positive yet criticize everything. The world of impropriety is full of such troublesome characters.
222. Reserve is proof of prudence. The tongue is a wild beast; once let loose it is difficult to chain. It is the pulse of the soul by which wise men judge of its health: by this pulse a careful observer feels every movement of the heart. The worst is that he who should be most reserved is the least. The sage saves himself from worries and embarrassments, and shows his mastery over himself. He goes his way carefully, a Janus for impartiality, an Argus for watchfulness. Truly Momus had better placed the eyes in the hand than the window in the breast.
222. Prudence is best shown through restraint. The tongue is like a wild animal—once unleashed, it's hard to control. It reveals the soul's health, allowing the perceptive to gauge every emotional shift. Ironically, those who should be most guarded often struggle the most with discretion. The wise avoid trouble and awkwardness, demonstrating self-control. They navigate life cautiously, fair-minded like Janus and vigilant like Argus. Perhaps Momus was right in suggesting eyes belong in our hands rather than a window to our hearts.
223. Be not eccentric, neither from affectation nor carelessness. Many have some remarkable and individual quality leading to eccentric actions. These are more defects than excellent differences. And just as some are known for some special ugliness, so these for something repellant in their outward behaviour. Such eccentricities simply serve as trademarks through their atrocious singularity: they cause either derision or ill-will.
223. Don't be eccentric, whether intentionally or through negligence. Many people have unique traits that lead to unusual behavior. These are more often flaws than admirable qualities. Just as some are known for a particular physical flaw, others are known for off-putting mannerisms. Such eccentricities become mere trademarks of their offensive uniqueness, inviting either mockery or dislike.
224. Never take things against the grain, no matter how they come. Everything has a smooth and a seamy side, and the best weapon wounds if taken by the blade, while the enemy's spear may be our best protection if taken by the staff. Many things cause pain which would cause pleasure if you regarded their advantages. There is a favourable and an unfavourable side to everything, the cleverness consists in finding out the favourable. The same thing looks quite different in another light; look at it therefore on its best side and do not exchange good for evil. Thus it haps that many find joy, many grief, in everything. This remark is a great protection against the frowns of fortune, and a weighty rule of life for all times and all conditions.
224. Never fight against the natural order of things, regardless of how they present themselves. Everything has its pros and cons, and even the best tool can harm you if mishandled, while an enemy's weapon might become your shield if used correctly. Many situations that seem painful could bring pleasure if you focus on their benefits. There's a positive and negative aspect to everything; the key is to identify the positive. The same situation can appear entirely different from another perspective, so always try to see the best in it and avoid turning good into bad. As a result, some people find joy in everything, while others find only sorrow. This mindset serves as a powerful defense against life's challenges and stands as an essential principle for all times and circumstances.
225. Know your chief fault. There lives none that has not in himself a counterbalance to his most conspicuous merit: if this be nourished by desire it may grow to be a tyrant. Commence war against it, summoning prudence as your ally, and the first thing to do is the public manifesto, for an evil once known is soon conquered, especially when the one afflicted regards it in the same light as the onlookers. To be master of oneself one should know oneself. If the chief imperfection surrender, the rest will come to an end.
225. Identify your main weakness. Everyone has a flaw that counters their greatest strength. If indulged, this flaw can become overwhelming. Combat it strategically, using wisdom as your guide. Start by acknowledging it openly, for a recognized problem is halfway solved, especially when you see it as others do. Self-mastery begins with self-awareness. Once you overcome your primary flaw, the others will follow suit.