226. Take care to be obliging. Most talk and act, not as they are, but as they are obliged. To persuade people of ill is easy for any, since the ill is easily credited even when at times it is incredible. The best we have depends on the opinion of others. Some are satisfied if they have right on their side, but that is not enough, for it must be assisted by energy. To oblige persons often costs little and helps much. With words you may purchase deeds. In this great house of the world there is no chamber so hid that it may not be wanted one day in the year, and then you would miss it however little is its worth. Every one speaks of a subject according to his feelings.
226. Be considerate and helpful. Most people speak and act not based on who they truly are, but on what they feel obligated to do. It's easy to convince others of negative things, as people tend to believe bad news even when it seems unlikely. Our best qualities often depend on others' perceptions. Some are content with being right, but that's not enough; you need to act on it. Small acts of kindness often cost little but can have a big impact. Words can lead to actions. In life, even the most insignificant things can become important at some point, and you'll regret not having them when needed. Everyone talks about things from their own perspective.
227. Do not be the slave of first impressions. Some marry the very first account they hear: all others must live with them as concubines. But as a lie has swift legs, the truth with them can find no lodging. We should neither satisfy our will with the first object nor our mind with the first proposition: for that were superficial. Many are like new casks who keep the scent of the first liquor they hold, be it good or bad. If this superficiality becomes known, it becomes fatal, for it then gives opportunity for cunning mischief; the ill-minded hasten to colour the mind of the credulous. Always therefore leave room for a second hearing. Alexander always kept one ear for the other side. Wait for the second or even third edition of news. To be the slave of your impressions argues want of capacity, and is not far from being the slave of your passions.
227. Don't be ruled by first impressions. Some people commit fully to the first information they receive, treating all subsequent input as secondary. But falsehoods spread quickly, leaving no room for truth. We shouldn't let our desires be satisfied by the first option, nor our minds by the first idea – that's shallow thinking. Many people are like new containers, retaining the essence of whatever they first hold, good or bad. If this superficiality becomes known, it can be dangerous, giving opportunity for manipulation; ill-intentioned people rush to influence the gullible. Always leave room for another perspective. Alexander the Great always kept one ear open for the other side. Wait for follow-up reports or even third-hand accounts of news. Being a slave to your initial impressions shows a lack of capacity and is dangerously close to being controlled by your emotions.
228. Do not be a scandal-monger. Still less pass for one, for that means to be considered a slanderer. Do not be witty at the cost of others: it is easy but hateful. All men have their revenge on such an one by speaking ill of him, and as they are many and he but one, he is more likely to be overcome than they convinced. Evil should never be our pleasure, and therefore never our theme. The backbiter is always hated, and if now and then one of the great consorts with him, it is less from pleasure in his sneers than from esteem for his insight. He that speaks ill will always hear worse.
228. Don't spread gossip or be known as someone who does. Avoid being labeled a slanderer. Don't try to be clever at others' expense; it's an easy trap but makes you unpopular. People will retaliate by speaking badly of you, and since they outnumber you, you're more likely to be defeated than to change their minds. Never take pleasure in or dwell on evil. Those who speak ill of others are always disliked, and if powerful people occasionally associate with them, it's more for their perceived insight than for their snide remarks. Remember, those who speak ill of others will inevitably hear worse about themselves.
229. Plan out your life wisely, not as chance will have it, but with prudence and foresight. Without amusements it is wearisome, like a long journey where there are no inns: manifold knowledge gives manifold pleasure. The first day's journey of a noble life should be passed in conversing with the dead: we live to know and to know our-selves: hence true books make us truly men. The second day should be spent with the living, seeing and noticing all the good in the world. Everything is not to be found in a single country. The Universal Father has divided His gifts, and at times has given the richest dower to the ugliest. The third day is entirely for oneself. The last felicity is to be a philosopher.
229. Plan your life wisely, with prudence and foresight, rather than leaving it to chance. A life without enjoyment is tedious, like a long journey without rest stops. Diverse knowledge brings varied pleasures. Begin a noble life by spending time with the wisdom of the past: engage with great books, for they shape us into better people. We live to learn and understand ourselves. Next, interact with the living, observing and appreciating the good in the world. Remember, not everything can be found in one place. The Creator has distributed gifts unevenly, sometimes bestowing the greatest treasures on the least likely recipients. Finally, dedicate time to self-reflection. The ultimate happiness is to become a philosopher.
230. Open your eyes betimes. Not all that see have their eyes open, nor do all those see that look. To come up to things too late is more worry than help. Some just begin to see when there is nothing more to see: they pull their houses about their ears before they come to themselves. It is difficult to give sense to those who have no power of will, still more difficult to give energy to those who have no sense. Those who surround them play with them a game of blind man's buff, making them the butts of others, and be-cause they are hard of hearing, they do not open their eyes to see. There are often those who encourage such insensibility on which their very existence depends. Unhappy steed whose rider is blind: it will never grow sleek.
230. Open your eyes early. Not everyone who sees has their eyes truly open, nor does everyone who looks actually see. Arriving too late to situations causes more stress than help. Some only begin to understand when there's nothing left to understand: they ruin their lives before gaining self-awareness. It's challenging to instill sense in those lacking willpower, and even harder to energize those without common sense. People around them play them for fools, making them targets for ridicule, and because they're stubborn, they refuse to see reality. Often, there are those who encourage such ignorance because their own livelihood depends on it. Pity the horse with a blind rider: it will never thrive.
231. Never let things be seen half-finished. They can only be enjoyed when complete. All beginnings are misshapen, and this deformity sticks in the imagination. The recollection of having seen a thing imperfect disturbs our enjoyment of it when completed. To swallow something great at one gulp may disturb the judgment of the separate parts, but satisfies the taste. Till a thing is everything, it is nothing, and while it is in process of being it is still nothing. To see the tastiest dishes prepared arouses rather disgust than appetite. Let each great master take care not to let his work be seen in its embryonic stages: they might take this lesson from Dame Nature, who never brings the child to the light till it is fit to be seen.
231. Never show unfinished work. Things can only be truly appreciated when complete. Beginnings are often rough, and this initial impression can linger. Remembering something in its imperfect state can spoil our enjoyment of the finished product. While consuming something substantial all at once might cloud our judgment of individual parts, it satisfies our overall taste. Until something is whole, it is nothing, and while it's still in progress, it remains incomplete. Watching the preparation of even the most delicious meals can be off-putting rather than appetizing. Every expert should take care not to reveal their work prematurely. They should follow nature's example, which only brings a child into the world when it's ready to be seen.
232. Have a touch of the trader. Life should not be all thought: there should be action as well. Very wise folk are generally easily deceived, for while they know out-of-the-way things they do not know the ordinary things of life, which are much more needful. The observation of higher things leaves them no time for things close at hand. Since they know not the very first thing they should know, and what everybody knows so well, they are either considered or thought ignorant by the superficial multitude. Let therefore the prudent take care to have something of the trader about him—enough to prevent him being deceived and so laughed at, Be a man adapted to the daily round, which if not the highest is the most necessary thing in life. Of what use is knowledge if it is not practical, and to know how to live is nowadays the true knowledge.
232. Have a bit of business sense. Life shouldn't be all theory; action matters too. Very smart people are often easily fooled because while they know obscure facts, they miss everyday essentials that are far more important. Focusing on lofty ideas leaves no time for practical matters. Since they lack basic knowledge that everyone else has, they're seen as ignorant by the masses. So, be wise and develop some business savvy—enough to avoid being deceived and mocked. Be someone who can handle daily life, which may not be glamorous but is crucial. What good is knowledge if it's not useful? In today's world, knowing how to live is the real wisdom.
233. Let not the proffered morsel be distasteful; otherwise it gives more discomfort than pleasure. Some displease when attempting to oblige, because they take no account of varieties of taste. What is flattery to one is an offence to another, and in attempting to be useful one may become insulting. It often costs more to displease a man than it would have cost to please him: you thereby lose both gift and thanks because you have lost the compass which steers for pleasure. He who knows not another's taste, knows not how to please him. Thus it haps that many insult where they mean to praise, and get soundly punished, and rightly so. Others desire to charm by their conversation, and only succeed in boring by their loquacity.
233. Don't offer something unpleasant; it causes more discomfort than pleasure. Some people offend when trying to please because they ignore differences in taste. What flatters one person may offend another, and attempts to be helpful can become insulting. Often, it costs more to displease someone than it would have to please them. You lose both the gift and gratitude because you've lost sight of what brings pleasure. If you don't understand someone's preferences, you can't please them. As a result, many insult when they mean to praise and are rightfully punished. Others try to charm with conversation but only succeed in boring with excessive talk.
234. Never trust your honour to another, unless you have his in pledge. Arrange that silence is a mutual advantage; disclosure a danger to both. Where honour is at stake you must act with a partner, so that each must be careful of the other's honour for the sake of his own. Never entrust your honour to another; but if you have, let caution surpass prudence. Let the danger be in common and the risk mutual, so that your partner cannot turn king's evidence.
234. Never entrust your reputation to someone unless you have theirs as collateral. Ensure that keeping quiet benefits both parties, while revealing information poses a risk to both. When your reputation is on the line, work with a partner so that each person safeguards the other's honor to protect their own. If you must involve someone else, be extra cautious. Share the danger and risk equally, preventing your partner from turning against you.
235. Know how to ask. With some nothing easier: with others nothing so difficult. For there are men who cannot refuse: with them no skill is required. But with others their first word at all times is No; with them great art is required, and with all the propitious moment. Surprise them when in a pleasant mood, when a repast of body or soul has just left them refreshed, if only their shrewdness has not anticipated the cunning of the applicant. The days of joy are the days of favour, for joy overflows from the inner man into the outward creation. It is no use applying when another has been refused, since the objection to a No has just been overcome. Nor is it a good time after sorrow. To oblige a person beforehand is a sure way, unless he is mean.
235. Master the art of asking. Some people are easy to approach, while others are challenging. With those who readily agree, little skill is needed. However, for those whose default response is "No," great finesse is required. Timing is crucial for everyone. Catch them in a good mood, perhaps after a satisfying meal or an uplifting experience, but be wary of those who might anticipate your intentions. Happy moments are often favorable for requests, as joy tends to spread from within to the outside world. Avoid making requests when someone has just refused another, as they may be reluctant to reverse their stance. Similarly, asking during times of sorrow is unwise. A reliable approach is to do someone a favor beforehand, unless they're particularly ungenerous.
236. Make an obligation beforehand of what would have to be a reward afterwards. This is a stroke of subtle policy; to grant favours before they are deserved is a proof of being obliging. Favours thus granted beforehand have two great advantages: the promptness of the gift obliges the recipient the more strongly; and the same gift which would afterwards be merely a reward is beforehand an obligation. This is a subtle means of transforming obligations, since that which would have forced the superior to reward is changed into one that obliges the one obliged to satisfy the obligation. But this is only suitable for men who have the feeling of obligation, since with men of lower stamp the honorarium paid beforehand acts rather as a bit than as a spur.
236. Create obligations in advance rather than rewards after the fact. This clever strategy involves granting favors before they're earned, demonstrating generosity. Such preemptive favors offer two key benefits: the promptness of the gift creates a stronger sense of obligation, and what would later be seen as a mere reward becomes a prior commitment. This subtly transforms the nature of obligations, turning what would have compelled the superior to reward into something that motivates the recipient to fulfill their duty. However, this approach is only effective with people who have a strong sense of obligation. For those of lesser character, an advance payment acts more as a deterrent than a motivator.
237. Never share the secrets of your superiors. You may think you will share pears, but you will only share parings. Many have been ruined by being confidants: they are like sops of bread used as forks, they run the same risk of being eaten up afterwards. It is no favour in a prince to share a secret: it is only a relief. Many break the mirror that reminds them of their ugliness. We do not like seeing those who have seen us as we are: nor is he seen In a favourable light who has seen us in an unfavourable one. None ought to be too much beholden to us, least of all one of the great, unless it be for benefits done him rather than for such favours received from him. Especially dangerous are secrets entrusted to friends. He that communicates his secret to another makes himself that other's slave. With a prince this is an intolerable position which cannot last. He will desire to recover his lost liberty, and to gain it will overturn everything, including right and reason. Accordingly neither tell secrets nor listen to them.
237. Never reveal the confidential information of your superiors. You might think you're sharing something valuable, but you'll end up with nothing. Many have been ruined by being confidants: they're like disposable utensils, discarded after use. It's not a favor when a leader shares a secret; it's just unburdening themselves. People often despise those who remind them of their flaws. We dislike seeing those who have witnessed our true selves, and we view unfavorably those who have seen us at our worst. No one should be too indebted to us, especially not those in power, unless it's for favors we've done for them rather than ones they've done for us. Secrets entrusted to friends are particularly dangerous. Sharing a secret with someone makes you their slave. This is an unbearable situation with a leader and cannot last. They will want to regain their freedom and will go to any lengths to do so, disregarding fairness and logic. Therefore, neither share secrets nor listen to them.
238. Know what is wanting in yourself. Many would have been great personages if they had not had something wanting without which they could not rise to the height of perfection. It is remarkable with some that they could be much better if they could he better in something. They do not perhaps take themselves seriously enough to do justice to their great abilities; some are wanting in geniality of disposition, a quality which their entourage soon find the want of, especially if they are in high office. Some are without organising ability, others lack moderation. In all such cases a careful man may make of habit a second nature.
238. Recognize your own shortcomings. Many people could have achieved greatness if not for a crucial flaw that held them back from perfection. It's noteworthy how some individuals could excel if they improved in just one area. They might not take themselves seriously enough to fully utilize their talents. Some lack a friendly demeanor, which those around them quickly notice, especially in leadership roles. Others struggle with organization or self-control. In all these cases, a diligent person can turn conscious effort into second nature, overcoming their weaknesses.
239. Do not be captious. It is much more important to be sensible. To know more than is necessary blunts your weapons, for fine points generally bend or break. Common-sense truth is the surest. It is well to know but not to niggle. Lengthy comment leads to disputes. It is much better to have sound sense, which does not wander from the matter in hand.
239. Don't be overly critical. It's far more valuable to be practical. Knowing too much can dull your edge, as intricate details often give way under pressure. Straightforward truth is the most reliable. It's good to be knowledgeable, but not to obsess over minutiae. Long-winded explanations often lead to arguments. It's much better to have sound judgment that stays focused on the issue at hand.
240. Make use of folly. The wisest play this card at times, and there are times when the greatest wisdom lies in seeming not to be wise. You need not be unwise, but merely affect unwisdom. To be wise with fools and foolish with the wise were of little use. Speak to each in his own language. He is no fool who affects folly, but he is who suffers from it. Ingenuous folly rather than the pretended is the true foolishness, since cleverness has arrived at such a pitch. To be well liked one must dress in the skin of the simplest of animals.
240. Use foolishness strategically. Even the wisest people sometimes play this card, and there are moments when appearing unwise is the smartest move. You don't need to be genuinely foolish, just pretend to be. It's pointless to act wise with fools or foolish with the wise. Instead, communicate with each person in a way they understand. The person who pretends to be foolish isn't truly foolish; the real fool is the one who can't help it. In today's world, where cleverness is so highly valued, genuine simplicity is more foolish than pretense. To be popular, sometimes you need to present yourself as the most straightforward and unassuming person.
241. Put up with raillery, but do not practise it. The first is a form of courtesy, the second may lead to embarrassment. To snarl at play has something of the beast and seems to have more. Audacious raillery is delightful: to stand it proves power. To show oneself annoyed causes the other to be annoyed. Best leave it alone; the surest way not to put on the cap that might fit. The most serious matters have arisen out of jests. Nothing requires more tact and attention. Before you begin to joke know how far the subject of your joke is able to bear it.
241. Tolerate teasing, but don't dish it out. Accepting jokes shows good manners, while making them can lead to trouble. Growling at playful banter is animalistic and appears even worse. Bold teasing can be fun, and enduring it shows strength. Showing irritation only irritates others. It's best to avoid it altogether; this way, you won't take offense at something that might apply to you. Serious conflicts have started from simple jokes. Nothing requires more skill and awareness. Before you tease someone, gauge how well they can handle it.
242. Push advantages. Some put all their strength in the commencement and never carry a thing to a conclusion. They invent but never execute. These be paltering spirits. They obtain no fame, for they sustain no game to the end. Everything stops at a single stop. This arises in some from impatience, which is the failing of the Spaniard, as patience is the virtue of the Belgian. The latter bring things to an end, the former come to an end with things. They sweat away till the obstacle is surmounted, but content themselves with surmounting it: they do not know how to push the victory home. They prove that they can but will not: but this proves always that they cannot, or have no stability. If the undertaking is good, why not finish it? If it is bad, why undertake it? Strike down your quarry, if you are wise; be not content to flush it.
242. Capitalize on your advantages. Some people put all their energy into starting things but never see them through. They come up with ideas but fail to execute them. These are unreliable individuals. They gain no recognition because they don't sustain their efforts to the end. Everything stops after a single attempt. This behavior stems from impatience in some cases, which is considered a Spanish flaw, while patience is seen as a Belgian virtue. The latter finish what they start, while the former give up midway. They struggle until they overcome an obstacle, but then they're satisfied with just that: they don't know how to push for complete victory. They prove they have the ability but lack the will. However, this always demonstrates that they either can't do it or lack perseverance. If a task is worthwhile, why not complete it? If it's not, why start it at all? If you're wise, achieve your goal; don't be content with merely setting it in motion.
243. Do not be too much of a dove. Alternate the cunning of the serpent with the candour of the dove. Nothing is easier than to deceive an honest man. He believes in much who lies in naught; who does no deceit, has much confidence. To be deceived is not always due to stupidity, it may arise from sheer goodness. There are two sets of men who can guard themselves from injury: those who have experienced it at their own cost, and those who have observed it at the cost of others. Prudence should use as much suspicion as subtlety uses snares, and none need be so good as to enable others to do him ill. Combine in yourself the dove and the serpent, not as a monster but as a prodigy.
243. Don't be too trusting. Balance caution with openness. It's easy to deceive an honest person. Those who don't lie tend to believe others, and those who don't deceive are often trusting. Being deceived isn't always due to stupidity; it can come from kindness. Two types of people can protect themselves: those who've been hurt before, and those who've seen others get hurt. Be as cautious as others are cunning, and don't be so good that people can take advantage of you. Blend wisdom and innocence in yourself, not as a contradiction, but as an admirable quality.
244. Create a feeling of obligation. Some transform favours received into favours bestowed, and seem, or let it be thought, that they are doing a favour when receiving one. There are some so astute that they get honour by asking, and buy their own advantage with applause from others. They manage matters so cleverly that they seem to be doing others a service when receiving one from them. They transpose the order of obligation with extraordinary skill, or at least render it doubtful who has obliged whom. They buy the best by praising it, and make a flattering honour out of the pleasure they express. They oblige by their courtesy, and thus make men beholden for what they themselves should be beholden. In this way they conjugate "to oblige" in the active instead of in the passive voice, thereby proving themselves better politicians than grammarians. This is a subtle piece of finesse; a still greater is to perceive it, and to retaliate on such fools' bargains by paying in their own coin, and so coming by your own again.
244. Create a sense of obligation. Some people cleverly turn favors they receive into favors they've given, making it seem like they're doing you a favor when you're actually helping them. These shrewd individuals gain respect by asking for things, and earn praise while benefiting themselves. They're so skillful that they appear to be serving others when receiving help. They expertly reverse the direction of obligation, or at least make it unclear who's helping whom. They purchase the best by praising it, and turn their expressed pleasure into flattering honor. They oblige through courtesy, making others feel indebted for what they themselves should be grateful for. In this way, they use "to oblige" in the active voice instead of the passive, proving themselves better politicians than grammarians. This is a subtle art; an even greater skill is recognizing it and countering such foolish deals by using their own tactics, thus reclaiming what's rightfully yours.
245. Original and out-of-the-way views are signs of superior ability. We do not think much of a man who never contradicts us that is no sign he loves us, but rather that he loves himself. Do not be deceived by flattery, and thereby have to pay for it: rather condemn it. Besides you may take credit for being censured by some, especially if they are those of whom the good speak ill. On the contrary, it should disturb us if our affairs please every one, for that is a sign that they are of little worth. Perfection is for the few.
245. Unique and unconventional perspectives are indicators of exceptional talent. We shouldn't value someone who never disagrees with us; it's not a sign of affection, but rather self-interest. Don't be fooled by flattery or you'll pay the price; instead, reject it. Moreover, consider it a compliment to be criticized by certain individuals, particularly those who are themselves criticized by good people. Conversely, we should be concerned if our actions please everyone, as it likely means they lack substance. True excellence is rare and appreciated by few.
246. Never offer satisfaction unless it is demanded. And if they do demand it, it is a kind of crime to give more than necessary. To excuse oneself before there is occasion is to accuse oneself. To draw blood in full health gives the hint to ill-will. An excuse unexpected arouses suspicion from its slumbers. Nor need a shrewd person show himself aware of another's suspicion, which is equivalent to seeking out offence. He had best disarm distrust by the integrity of his conduct.
246. Never apologize unless asked. If an apology is demanded, it's unwise to overdo it. Apologizing unprompted suggests guilt. Defending yourself when healthy only invites trouble. An unexpected excuse awakens dormant suspicions. A wise person shouldn't acknowledge others' suspicions, as this can create conflict. The best approach is to dispel mistrust through honest behavior.
247. Know a little more, live a little less. Some say the opposite. To be at ease is better than to be at business. Nothing really belongs to us but time, which even he has who has nothing else. It is equally unfortunate to waste your precious life in mechanical tasks or in a profusion of important work. Do not heap up occupation and thereby envy: otherwise you complicate life and exhaust your mind. Some wish to apply the same principle to knowledge, but unless one knows one does not truly live.
247. Know more, live less. Some argue the opposite. Relaxation trumps busyness. Time is our only true possession, even for those who have nothing else. It's equally wasteful to spend your life on mundane tasks or excessive important work. Don't overburden yourself with responsibilities and create envy; you'll only complicate your life and drain your mind. Some apply this idea to knowledge, but without knowledge, you're not truly living.
248. Do not go with the last speaker. There are persons who go by the latest edition, and thereby go to irrational extremes. Their feelings and desires are of wax: the last comer stamps them with his seal and obliterates all previous impressions. These never gain anything, for they lose everything so soon. Every one dyes them with his own colour. They are of no use as confidants; they remain children their whole life. Owing to this instability of feeling and volition, they halt along cripples in will and thought, and totter from one side of the road to the other.
248. Don't be swayed by the most recent opinion. Some people always follow the latest trend, leading them to irrational extremes. Their feelings and desires are easily molded, with each new idea erasing all previous ones. They never truly gain anything, as they quickly lose everything. Everyone influences them with their own perspective. These individuals make poor confidants and remain childlike throughout their lives. Due to their unstable emotions and willpower, they struggle with decision-making and critical thinking, wavering between different viewpoints.
249. Never begin life with what should end it. Many take their amusement at the beginning, putting off anxiety to the end; but the essential should come first and accessories afterwards if there is room. Others wish to triumph before they have fought. Others again begin with learning things of little consequence and leave studies that would bring them fame and gain to the end of life. Another is just about to make his fortune when he disappears from the scene. Method is essential for knowledge and for life.
249. Don't start life with what should conclude it. Many prioritize fun early on, postponing serious matters until later. However, essentials should come first, with leisure activities following if time allows. Some want success before putting in the work, while others focus on trivial learning instead of pursuing studies that could bring recognition and profit. There are those who are on the brink of success when their time runs out. Both in knowledge and in life, a methodical approach is crucial.
250. When to change the conversation. When they talk scandal. With some all goes contrariwise: their No is Yes, and their Yes No. If they speak ill of a thing it is the highest praise. For what they want for them-selves they depreciate to others. To praise a thing is not always to speak well of it, for some, to avoid praising what's good, praise what's bad, and nothing is good for him for whom nothing is bad.
250. When to change the subject. Be wary of those who always contradict: their "no" means "yes," and their "yes" means "no." When they criticize something, it's actually high praise. They downplay to others what they desire for themselves. Praising something doesn't always mean speaking well of it; some people praise the bad to avoid praising the good. For those who find nothing bad, nothing can be truly good. When you hear such talk, it's time to change the conversation.