251. Use human means as if there were no divine ones, and divine as if there were no human ones. A masterly rule: it needs no comment.
251. Rely on your own efforts as if divine intervention doesn't exist, and on divine help as if human effort is futile. This is a masterful principle that speaks for itself.
252. Neither belong entirely to yourself nor entirely to others. Both are mean forms of tyranny. To desire to be all for oneself is the same as desiring to have all for oneself. Such persons will not yield a jot or lose a tittle of their comfort. They are rarely beholden, lean on their own luck, and their crutch generally breaks. It is convenient at times to belong to others, that others may belong to us. And he that holds public office is no more nor less than a public slave, or let a man give up both berth and burthen, as the old woman said to Hadrian. On the other hand, others are all for others, which is folly, that always flies to extremes, in this case in a most unfortunate manner. No day, no hour, is their own, but they have so much too much of others that they may be called the slaves of all. This applies even to knowledge, where a man may know everything for others and nothing for himself. A shrewd man knows that others when they seek him do not seek him, but their advantage in him and by him.
252. Neither be entirely self-centered nor completely selfless. Both are forms of extremism. Wanting everything for yourself is as harmful as giving everything away. Self-centered people won't compromise their comfort and rarely feel grateful. They rely solely on their own luck, which often fails them. It's sometimes beneficial to belong to others so they, in turn, belong to us. Those in public office are, in essence, public servants. As the old woman said to Hadrian, one can always give up both position and burden. Conversely, living entirely for others is foolish and takes this idea to an unfortunate extreme. Such people have no time to themselves, becoming slaves to everyone else. This applies even to knowledge – some know everything for others and nothing for themselves. A wise person understands that when others seek them out, they're not truly interested in the person, but in what they can gain from them.
253. Do not explain overmuch. Most men do not esteem what they understand, and venerate what they do not see. To be valued things should cost dear: what is not understood becomes overrated. You have to appear wiser and more prudent than he requires with whom you deal, if you desire to give him a high opinion of you: yet in this there should be moderation and no excess. And though with sensible people common sense holds its own, with most men a little elaboration is necessary. Give them no time for blame: occupy them with understanding your drift. Many praise a thing without being able to tell why, if asked. The reason is that they venerate the unknown as a mystery, and praise it because they hear it praised.
253. Don't over-explain. People often don't value what they easily understand and revere what's mysterious. Things that are hard to obtain are usually more valued. To be highly regarded, you should appear more knowledgeable and prudent than necessary. However, maintain balance and avoid excess. While common sense works with intelligent people, most require a bit more complexity. Keep them focused on grasping your point, leaving no time for criticism. Many praise things without knowing why; they simply respect the unknown and echo others' praise.
254. Never despise an evil, however small, for they never come alone: they are linked together like pieces of good fortune. Fortune and misfortune generally go to find their fellows. Hence all avoid the unlucky and associate with the fortunate. Even the doves with all their innocence resort to the whitest walls. Everything fails with the unfortunate—himself, his words, and his luck. Do not wake Misfortune when she sleeps. One slip is a little thing: yet some fatal loss may follow it till you do not know where it will end. For just as no happiness is perfect, so no ill-luck is complete. Patience serves with what comes from above; prudence with that from below.
254. Never underestimate a small problem, as it rarely comes alone. Problems, like good fortune, tend to cluster. Success attracts success, while failure draws more failure. People avoid the unlucky and gravitate towards the fortunate. Even innocent creatures seek the most appealing surroundings. For the unfortunate, everything seems to go wrong—their actions, words, and luck. Don't tempt fate when things are calm. A minor mistake can snowball into a series of losses with unforeseen consequences. Remember, just as no happiness is flawless, no misfortune is absolute. Face challenges from above with patience, and those within your control with wisdom.
255. Do good a little at a time, but often. One should never give beyond the possibility of return. Who gives much does not give but sells. Nor drain gratitude to the dregs, for when the recipient sees all return is impossible he breaks off correspondence. With many persons it is not necessary to do more than overburden them with favours to lose them altogether: they cannot repay you, and so they retire, preferring rather to be enemies than perpetual debtors. The idol never wishes to see before him the sculptor who shaped him, nor does the benefited wish to see his benefactor always before his eyes. There is a great subtlety in giving what costs little yet is much desired, so that it is esteemed the more.
255. Do good in small, frequent doses. Never give so much that it can't be reciprocated. Giving too much isn't generosity; it's a transaction. Don't exhaust gratitude—when recipients feel they can't repay, they'll distance themselves. With some, overwhelming them with favors is enough to lose them entirely. Unable to repay, they'd rather become enemies than eternal debtors. The idol avoids the sculptor who created it, just as the beneficiary avoids constant reminders of their benefactor. There's an art to giving inexpensive yet coveted gifts, as they're often valued more highly.
256. Go armed against discourtesy, and against perfidy, presumption, and all other kinds of folly. There is much of it in the world, and prudence lies in avoiding a meeting with it. Arm yourself each day before the mirror of attention with the weapons of defence. Thus you will beat down the attacks of folly. Be prepared for the occasion, and do not expose your reputation to vulgar contingencies. Armed with prudence, a man cannot be disarmed by impertinence. The road of human intercourse is difficult, for it is full of ruts which may jolt our credit. Best to take a byway, taking Ulysses as a model of shrewdness. Feigned misunderstanding is of great value in such matters. Aided by politeness it helps us over all, and is often the only way out of difficulties.
256. Be prepared for rudeness, betrayal, arrogance, and other foolish behaviors. These are common in the world, and wisdom lies in avoiding them. Each day, equip yourself with defensive strategies by reflecting carefully. This will help you overcome foolishness. Be ready for any situation, and don't risk your reputation on unpredictable events. Armed with caution, you can't be caught off guard by rudeness. Navigating social interactions is challenging, as there are many pitfalls that can damage your standing. It's often best to take an indirect approach, using Ulysses as an example of cunning. Pretending not to understand can be valuable in these situations. Combined with politeness, it can help you overcome obstacles and is sometimes the only way to resolve difficult situations.
257. Never let matters come to a rupture, for our reputation always comes injured out of the encounter. Every one may be of importance as an enemy if not as a friend. Few can do us good, almost any can do us harm. In Jove's bosom itself even his eagle never nestles securely from the day he has quarrelled with a beetle. Hidden foes use the paw of the declared enemy to stir up the fire, and meanwhile they lie in ambush for such an occasion. Friends provoked become the bitterest of enemies. They cover their own failings with the faults of others. Every one speaks as things seem to him, and things seem as he wishes them to appear. All blame us at the beginning for want of foresight, at the end for lack of patience, at all times for imprudence. If, however, a breach is inevitable, let it be rather excused as a slackening of friendship than by an outburst of wrath: here is a good application of the saying about a good retreat.
257. Never let things reach a breaking point, as our reputation always suffers in conflicts. Everyone can be important as an enemy, even if not as a friend. Few can help us, but almost anyone can harm us. Even in the safest place, we're vulnerable once we've made an enemy, no matter how small. Hidden foes use open enemies to cause trouble, waiting for the right moment to strike. Provoked friends become the worst enemies, hiding their own flaws by pointing out others'. People speak based on their perceptions, which are shaped by their desires. We're blamed for lack of foresight at the start, impatience at the end, and poor judgment throughout. If a split is unavoidable, frame it as a natural drifting apart rather than an angry outburst. This is a good example of making a graceful exit.
258. Find out some one to share your troubles. You will never be all alone, even in dangers, nor bear all the burden of hate. Some think by their high position to carry off the whole glory of success, and have to bear the whole humiliation of defeat. In this way they have none to excuse them, none to share the blame. Neither fate nor the mob are so bold against two. Hence the wise physician, if he has failed to cure, looks out for some one who, under the name of a consultation, may help him carry out, the corpse. Share weight and woe, for misfortune falls with double force on him that stands alone.
258. Share your troubles with someone. You'll never be completely alone, even in dangerous situations, and you won't have to bear the full burden of others' dislike. Some people think their high position allows them to claim all the glory for success, but they also have to face the full humiliation of failure. This way, they have no one to excuse them or share the blame. Neither fate nor the crowd is as harsh towards a pair. That's why a wise doctor, if unable to cure a patient, calls for a consultation to help share the responsibility of the outcome. Share your burdens and worries, because misfortune hits twice as hard when you face it alone.
259. Anticipate injuries and turn them into favours. It is wiser to avoid than to revenge them. It is an uncommon piece of shrewdness to change a rival into a confidant, or transform into guards of honour those who were aiming attacks at us. It helps much to know how to oblige, for he leaves no time for injuries that fills it up with gratitude. That is true savoir faire to turn anxieties into pleasures. Try and make a confidential relation out of ill-will itself.
259. Anticipate potential harm and turn it to your advantage. It's smarter to avoid conflicts than to seek revenge. Show exceptional wisdom by transforming rivals into allies, or converting would-be attackers into protectors. Mastering the art of creating obligations is valuable; someone who fills their time with gratitude leaves no room for causing harm. True savoir faire lies in converting worries into pleasures. Strive to build trust even with those who initially bear ill will.
260. We belong to none and none to us, entirely. Neither relationship nor friendship nor the most intimate connection is sufficient to effect this. To give one's whole confidence is quite different from giving one's regard. The closest intimacy has its exceptions, without which the laws of friendship would be broken. The friend always keeps one secret to himself, and even the son always hides something from his father. Some things are kept from one that are revealed to another and vice versâ. In this way one reveals all and conceals all, by making a distinction among the persons with whom we are connected.
260. We don't fully belong to anyone, nor does anyone fully belong to us. No relationship, friendship, or intimate connection can achieve this completely. Giving someone your full trust is different from giving them your affection. Even the closest relationships have boundaries, which are necessary to maintain healthy friendships. Everyone keeps at least one secret to themselves, and even children hide things from their parents. We may share certain things with one person but not another, and vice versa. In this way, we both reveal and conceal everything, choosing what to share based on the nature of each relationship.
261. Do not follow up a folly. Many make an obligation out of a blunder, and because they have entered the wrong path think it proves their strength of character to go on in it. Within they regret their error, while outwardly they excuse it. At the beginning of their mistake they were regarded as inattentive, in the end as fools. Neither an unconsidered promise nor a mistaken resolution are really binding. Yet some continue in their folly and prefer to be constant fools.
261. Don't double down on mistakes. Many people feel obligated to stick with a bad decision, believing that persisting shows strength of character. Inwardly, they regret their error, but outwardly, they make excuses. What starts as a minor slip-up ends up branding them as fools. Neither hasty promises nor misguided decisions are truly binding. Yet some persist in their foolishness, preferring to be consistently wrong rather than admit their mistake.
262. Be able to forget. It is more a matter of luck than of skill. The things we remember best are those better for-gotten. Memory is not only unruly, leaving us in the lurch when most needed, but stupid as well, putting its nose into places where it is not wanted. In painful things it is active, but neglectful in recalling the pleasurable. Very often the only remedy for the ill is to forget it, and all we forget is the remedy. Nevertheless one should cultivate good habits of memory, for it is capable of making existence a Paradise or an Inferno. The happy are an exception who enjoy innocently their simple happiness.
262. Forget skillfully. Luck plays a bigger role than ability in this. We often remember what's best forgotten. Memory is unreliable, failing us when we need it most, and intrusive when unwanted. It dwells on pain but neglects pleasure. Often, forgetting is the cure for our troubles, yet we forget the cure itself. Still, nurture a good memory, as it can make life heaven or hell. Those who innocently enjoy their simple happiness are rare exceptions.
263. Many things of taste one should not possess oneself. One enjoys them better if another's than if one's own. The owner has the good of them the first day, for all the rest of the time they are for others. You take a double enjoyment in other men's property, being without fear of spoiling it and with the pleasure of novelty. Everything tastes better for having been without it: even water from another's well tastes like nectar. Possession not alone hinders enjoyment: it increases annoyance whether you lend or keep. You gain nothing except keeping things for or from others, and by this means gain more enemies than friends.
263. Don't own everything you enjoy. You'll appreciate things more if they belong to someone else rather than yourself. The owner only truly relishes their possession on the first day; after that, it's for others to enjoy. You can double your pleasure by enjoying other people's property, free from worry about damaging it and with the added thrill of novelty. Everything is more satisfying after you've gone without it; even water from someone else's well tastes like nectar. Ownership not only hinders enjoyment but also increases stress, whether you lend items out or keep them to yourself. You gain nothing by hoarding things or denying them to others, and in doing so, you're likely to make more enemies than friends.
264. Have no careless days. Fate loves to play tricks, and will heap up chances to catch us unawares. Our intelligence, prudence, and courage, even our beauty, must always be ready for trial. For their day of careless trust will be that of their discredit. Care always fails just when it was most wanted. It is thoughtlessness that trips us up into destruction. Accordingly it is a piece of military strategy to put perfection to its trial when unprepared. The days of parade are known and are allowed to pass by, but the day is chosen when least expected so as to put valour to the severest test.
264. Never let your guard down. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, testing our intelligence, prudence, courage, and even our appearance. Always be prepared for challenges. The moment you become complacent is when you're most likely to fail. Carelessness often leads to our downfall. It's a common tactic to test others when they're unprepared. While people may be ready for scheduled evaluations, true character is revealed during unexpected trials.
265. Set those under you difficult task, Many have proved themselves able at once when they had to deal with a difficulty, just as fear of drowning makes a swimmer of a man, In this way many have discovered their own courage, knowledge, or tact, which but for the opportunity would have been for ever buried beneath their want of enterprise. Dangers are the occasions to create a name for oneself; and if a noble mind sees honour at stake, he will do the work of thousands. Queen Isabella the Catholic knew well this rule of life, as well as all the others, and to a shrewd favour of this kind from her the Great Captain won his fame, and many others earned an undying name. By this great art she made great men.
265. Give those you oversee challenging assignments. Many people show their true abilities when faced with difficulties, much like how the fear of drowning can turn someone into a swimmer. In this way, individuals have discovered their own courage, knowledge, or skill, which might have remained hidden due to a lack of opportunity. Dangerous situations are chances to make a name for oneself; when honor is at stake, a noble mind will accomplish the work of thousands. Queen Isabella of Castile understood this principle well, along with many others. Through her shrewd application of this approach, the Great Captain earned his fame, and many others achieved lasting renown. With this powerful strategy, she created great leaders.
266. Do not become bad from sheer goodness. That is, by never getting into a temper. Such men without feeling are scarcely to be considered men. It does not always arise from laziness, but from sheer inability. To feel strongly on occasion is something personal: birds soon mock at the mawkin. It is a sign of good taste to combine bitter and sweet. All sweets is diet for children and fools. It is very bad to sink into such insensibility out of very goodness.
266. Don't let excessive kindness make you ineffective. People who never get angry are hardly human. This isn't always due to laziness, but often stems from a lack of ability. Strong emotions, when appropriate, are part of being human; those who never show them are easily dismissed. Good judgment means balancing the bitter with the sweet. Constant pleasantness is for children and fools. It's harmful to become emotionally numb, even if it comes from a place of goodness.
267. Silken words, sugared manners. Arrows pierce the body, insults the soul. Sweet pastry perfumes the breath. It is a great art in life to know how to sell wind. Most things are paid for in words, and by them you can remove impossibilities. Thus we deal in air, and a royal breath can produce courage and power. Always have your mouth full of sugar to sweeten your words, so that even your ill-wishers enjoy them. To please one must be peaceful.
267. Smooth talk and polite manners go a long way. While physical wounds heal, emotional scars last longer. Kind words leave a pleasant impression. Mastering the art of persuasion is a valuable life skill. Most negotiations rely on effective communication, which can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. We trade in influence, and a leader's words can inspire bravery and strength. Always speak with kindness, so that even your critics find your words agreeable. To win people over, maintain a calm and friendly demeanor.
268. The wise do at once what the fool does at last. Both do the same thing; the only difference lies in the time they do it: the one at the right time, the other at the wrong. Who starts out with his mind topsyturvy will so continue till the end. He catches by the foot what he ought to knock on the head, he turns right into left, and in all his acts is but a child. There is only one way to get him in the right way, and that is to force him to do what he might have done of his own accord. The wise man, on the other hand, sees at once what must be done sooner or later, so he does it willingly and gains honour thereby,
268. The wise act immediately where fools delay. Both ultimately take the same action, but timing is key: one acts at the right moment, the other too late. Those who begin with confused thinking remain so until the end. They mishandle situations, confuse right and left, and behave childishly in all matters. The only way to correct their course is to compel them to do what they should have done willingly. In contrast, the wise person quickly recognizes what must be done eventually and acts promptly, earning respect in the process.
269. Make use of the novelty of your position; for men are valued while they are new. Novelty pleases all because it is uncommon, taste is refreshed, and a brand new mediocrity is thought more of than accustomed excellence. Ability wears away by use and becomes old. However, know that the glory of novelty is short-lived: after four days respect is gone. Accordingly, learn to utilise the first fruits of appreciation, and seize during the rapid passage of applause all that can be put to use. For once the heat of novelty over, the passion cools and the appreciation of novelty is exchanged for satiety at the customary: believe that all has its season, which soon passes.
269. Leverage your fresh perspective. People value newcomers, so make the most of your novel position. Novelty appeals to everyone because it's uncommon and refreshing. Even average newcomers often outshine established excellence. Skills can become stale with overuse, so capitalize on your fresh approach. However, remember that novelty's appeal is fleeting. After a short time, the initial respect fades. Therefore, seize the opportunity while it lasts. Make the most of early appreciation and acclaim before it cools. Once the excitement of newness wears off, people's passion diminishes, and novelty gives way to familiarity. Keep in mind that everything has its moment, which quickly passes.
270. Do not condemn alone that which pleases all. There must be something good in a thing that pleases so many; even if it cannot be explained it is certainly enjoyed. Singularity is always hated, and, when in the wrong, laughed at. You simply destroy respect for your taste rather than do harm to the object of your blame, and are left alone, you and your bad taste. If you cannot find the good in a thing, hide your incapacity and do not damn it straightway. As a general rule bad taste springs from want of knowledge. What all say, is so, or will be so.
270. Don't dismiss something just because it's popular. If many people enjoy it, there must be some merit, even if you can't see it. Being overly critical sets you apart, but not in a good way. It's more likely to make you look foolish than harm the object of your criticism. You'll end up isolated with your unpopular opinion. If you can't appreciate something, it's better to keep quiet about it. Usually, harsh criticism stems from a lack of understanding. Remember, popular opinion often proves correct in the long run.
271. In every occupation if you know little stick to the safest. If you are not respected as subtle, you will be regarded as sure. On the other hand, a man well trained can plunge in and act as he pleases. To know little and yet seek danger is nothing else than to seek ruin. In such a case take stand on the right hand, for what is done cannot be undone. Let little knowledge keep to the king's highway, and in every case, knowing or unknowing, security is shrewder than singularity.
271. In any profession, if your knowledge is limited, stick to the safest approach. If you're not known for being clever, you'll at least be seen as reliable. However, a well-trained individual can take risks and act freely. Having little knowledge yet seeking danger is a recipe for disaster. In such situations, choose the right path, as actions can't be undone. Those with limited expertise should follow established norms. In all cases, whether knowledgeable or not, it's wiser to prioritize safety over standing out.
272. Sell things by the tariff of courtesy. You oblige people most that way. The bid of an interested buyer will never equal the return gift of an honourable recipient of a favour. Courtesy does not really make presents, but really lays men under obligation, and generosity is the great obligation. To a right-minded man nothing costs more dear that what is given him: you sell it him twice and for two prices: one for the value, one for the politeness. At the same time it is true that with vulgar souls generosity is gibberish, for they do not understand the language of good breeding.
272. Sell with courtesy. It's the most effective way to oblige others. A buyer's offer can't match the gratitude of someone who receives a favor graciously. Politeness doesn't give gifts, but it creates lasting obligations, and generosity is the greatest obligation of all. For a person of integrity, nothing is more costly than what's given freely. You're essentially selling it twice: once for its value, and again for your politeness. However, keep in mind that for crude individuals, generosity is meaningless—they don't understand the language of good manners.
273. Comprehend their dispositions with whom you deal, so as to know their intentions. Cause known, effect known, beforehand in the disposition and after in the motive. The melancholy man always foresees misfortunes, the backbiter scandals; having no conception of the good, evil offers itself to them. A man moved by passion always speaks of things differently from what they are; it is his passion speaks, not his reason. Thus each speaks as his feeling or his humour prompts him, and all far from the truth. Learn how to decipher faces and spell out the soul in the features. If a man laughs always, set him down as foolish; if never, as false. Beware of the gossip: he is either a babbler or a spy. Expect little good from the misshapen: they generally take revenge on Nature, and do little honour to her, as she has done little to them. Beauty and folly generally go hand in hand.
273. Understand the personalities of those you interact with to anticipate their intentions. Once you know someone's character, you can predict their motives and actions. Pessimists always expect the worst, while gossipers look for scandals. Unable to see the good, they focus on the bad. People driven by emotion describe things inaccurately; it's their feelings talking, not logic. Everyone speaks according to their mood or temperament, often far from the truth. Learn to read faces and interpret the soul through facial features. Be wary of constant laughers as foolish, and those who never laugh as dishonest. Be cautious of gossips: they're either chatterboxes or spies. Expect little good from those with physical deformities; they often resent nature and do little to honor it, as it has done little for them. Beauty and foolishness frequently go together.
274. Be attractive. Magnet of your pleasant qualities more to obtain goodwill than good deeds, but apply it to all. Merit is not enough unless supported by grace, which is the sole thing that gives general acceptance, and the most practical means of rule over others. To be in vogue is a matter of luck, yet it can be encouraged by skill, for art can best take root on a soil favoured by nature. There goodwill grows and develops into universal favour.
274. Be appealing. Your pleasant qualities are more effective at winning goodwill than good deeds alone, so use them with everyone. Merit is not enough unless it's backed by charm, which is the only thing that truly gains widespread acceptance and the most practical way to influence others. While becoming popular is partly luck, it can be nurtured with skill. Cultivating your natural strengths is the best way to develop your appeal. This is how goodwill grows and blossoms into universal favor.
275. Join in the game as far as decency permits. Do not always pose and be a bore: this is a maxim for gallant bearing. You may yield a touch of dignity to gain the general good-will: you may now and then go where most go, yet not beyond the bounds of decorum. He who makes a fool of himself in public will not be regarded as discreet in private life. One may lose more on a day of pleasure than has been gained during a whole life of labour. Still you must not always keep away: to be singular is to condemn all others. Still less act the prude—leave that to its appropriate sex: even religious prudery is ridiculous. Nothing so becomes a man as to be a man: a woman may affect a manly bearing as an excellence, but not vice versâ.
275. Join in social activities as far as propriety allows. Don't always be serious and dull—this is key to charming behavior. You can relax your dignity a bit to gain general goodwill. Occasionally, follow the crowd, but stay within reasonable limits. Someone who acts foolishly in public won't be seen as wise in private. You might lose more in a day of careless fun than you've gained through a lifetime of hard work. Still, don't always keep to yourself—being too different is like criticizing everyone else. Certainly don't act prudish—leave that to those it suits. Even religious prudishness is absurd. Nothing suits a man better than being true to his nature. A woman might adopt masculine traits as a virtue, but not the other way around.