276. Know how to renew your character, with the help both of nature and of art. Every seven years the disposition changes, they say. Let it be a change for the better and for the nobler in your taste. After the first seven comes reason, with each succeeding lustre let a new excellence be added. Observe this change so as to aid it, and hope also for betterment in others. Hence it arises that many change their behaviour when they change their position or their occupation. At times the change is not noticed till it reaches the height of maturity. At twenty man is a peacock, at thirty a lion, at forty a camel, at fifty a serpent, at sixty a dog, at seventy an ape, at eighty nothing at all.
276. Know how to renew yourself, using both natural development and deliberate effort. People say your personality changes every seven years. Make sure each change is for the better, enhancing your character. After the first seven years comes reason, and with each following period, add a new strength. Be aware of these changes to support them, and expect improvement in others too. This is why many people change their behavior when they switch jobs or roles. Sometimes the change isn't noticeable until it's fully developed. At 20, a person is showy like a peacock; at 30, bold like a lion; at 40, patient like a camel; at 50, wise like a serpent; at 60, loyal like a dog; at 70, playful like an ape; at 80, they've lost their defining traits.
277. Display yourself. ’Tis the illumination of talents: for each there comes an appropriate moment; use it, for not every day comes a triumph. There are some dashing men who make much show with a little, a whole exhibition with much. If ability to display them is joined to versatile gifts, they are regarded as miraculous. There are whole nations given to display: the Spanish people take the highest rank in this. Light was the first thing to cause creation to shine forth. Display fills up much, supplies much, and gives a second existence to things, especially when combined with real excellence. Heaven that grants perfection, provides also the means of display; for one without the other were abortive. Skill is however needed for display. Even excellence depends on circumstances and is not always opportune. Ostentation is out of place when it is out of time. More than any other quality it should be free of any affectation. This is its rock of offence, for it then borders on vanity and so on contempt: it must be moderate to avoid being vulgar, and any excess is despised by the wise. At times it consists in a sort of mute eloquence, a careless display of excellence, for a wise concealment is often the most effective boast, since the very withdrawal from view piques curiosity to the highest. ’Tis a fine subtlety too not to display one's excellence all at one time, but to grant stolen glances at it, more and more as time goes on. Each exploit should be the pledge of a greater, and applause at the first should only die away in expectation of its sequel.
277. Showcase your talents. There's a right moment for each skill; seize it, as triumphs are rare. Some people excel at making a big impression with little, creating a spectacle with much. Combining versatile gifts with showmanship can make you seem extraordinary. Some cultures, like the Spanish, are known for their flair. Light was creation's first display. Presentation enhances and gives new life to things, especially when paired with genuine quality. While heaven grants talent, it also provides opportunities to showcase it; one without the other is futile. Skillful display is crucial. Even excellence depends on timing and context. Avoid inappropriate or affected displays; they border on vanity and invite contempt. Moderation is key to avoid appearing vulgar, as excess is frowned upon by the wise. Sometimes, the most effective boast is a subtle hint of excellence. A clever concealment can spark curiosity. It's also smart to reveal your talents gradually over time. Each achievement should promise greater things to come, with initial applause fading into anticipation for what's next.
278. Avoid notoriety in all things. Even excellences become defects if they become notorious. Notoriety arises from singularity, which is always blamed: he that is singular is left severely alone. Even beauty is discredited by coxcombry, which offends by the very notice it attracts. Still more does this apply to discreditable singularities. Yet among the wicked there are some that seek to be known for seeking novelties in vice so as to attain to the fame of infamy. Even in matters of the intellect want of moderation may degenerate into loquacity.
278. Steer clear of attention-seeking behavior in all aspects of life. Even positive qualities can become flaws if they draw too much notice. Notoriety often stems from being unusual, which tends to invite criticism and isolation. Even beauty loses its appeal when coupled with vanity, which offends by drawing attention to itself. This is even more true for negative peculiarities. However, some individuals deliberately seek recognition for their novel vices, aiming for a kind of infamous celebrity. Even in intellectual matters, a lack of restraint can lead to excessive talking.
279. Do not contradict the contradicter. You have to distinguish whether the contra-diction comes from cunning or from vulgarity. It is not always obstinacy, but may be artfulness. Notice this: for in the first case one may get into difficulties, in the other into danger. Caution is never more needed than against spies. There is no such countercheck to the picklock of the mind as to leave the key of caution in the lock.
279. Don't argue with those who oppose you. First, determine if their contradiction stems from cleverness or rudeness. It's not always stubbornness; it could be strategic. Be aware: in the first case, you might face challenges; in the second, danger. Caution is especially crucial when dealing with potential spies. The best defense against those trying to unlock your thoughts is to keep your guard up at all times.
280. Be trustworthy. Honourable dealing is at an end: trusts are denied: few keep their word: the greater the service, the poorer the reward: that is the way with all the world nowadays. There are whole nations inclined to false dealing: with some treachery has always to be feared, with others breach of promise, with others deceit. Yet this bad behaviour of others should rather be a warning to us than an example. The fear is that the sight of such unworthy behaviour should override our integrity. But a man of honour should never forget what he is because he sees what others are.
280. Be reliable. Honest dealings are rare these days. Trust is scarce, and promises are often broken. The greater the service, the less likely it is to be rewarded fairly. This is how the world operates now. Some cultures are known for dishonesty, others for breaking promises, and some for deception. However, we should see these poor behaviors as warnings rather than examples to follow. The danger lies in letting others' misconduct influence our own integrity. A person of honor should never compromise their values just because they see others doing so.
281. Find favour with men of sense. The tepid yes of a remarkable man is worth more than all the applause of the vulgar: you cannot make a meal off the smoke of chaff. The wise speak with understanding and their praise gives permanent satisfaction. The sage Antigonus reduced the theatre of his fame to Zeus alone, and Plato called Aristotle his whole school. Some strive to fill their stomach albeit only with the breath of the mob. Even monarchs have need of authors, and fear their pens more than ugly women the painter's pencil.
281. Impress those who matter. A lukewarm approval from someone exceptional is more valuable than thunderous applause from the masses. Empty praise is worthless. Intelligent people speak thoughtfully, and their commendation brings lasting fulfillment. The wise Antigonus focused solely on impressing Zeus, while Plato considered Aristotle his entire audience. Some foolishly chase after hollow adoration from the crowd. Even rulers need writers and fear their words more than unattractive women fear a painter's brush.
282. Make use of absence to make yourself more esteemed or valued. If the accustomed presence diminishes fame, absence augments it. One that is regarded as a lion in his absence may be laughed at when present as the ridiculous result of the parturition of the mountains. Talents get soiled by use, for it is easier to see the exterior rind than the kernel of greatness it encloses. Imagination reaches farther than sight, and disillusion, which ordinarily comes through the ears, also goes out through the ears. He keeps his fame that keeps himself in the centre of public opinion. Even the phoenix uses its retirement for new adornment and turns absence into desire.
282. Use absence to increase your value. Constant presence can diminish your reputation, while absence often enhances it. Someone revered as a lion from afar may disappoint in person, like the anticlimactic birth of a mouse from a mountain. Skills can tarnish with overexposure, as people tend to focus on surface flaws rather than inner greatness. Imagination outpaces reality, and disillusionment spreads as quickly as rumors. Maintain your reputation by carefully managing your public image. Even the mythical phoenix uses periods of absence to reinvent itself, turning its disappearance into anticipation.
283. Have the gift of discovery. It is a proof of the highest genius, yet when was genius without a touch of madness? If discovery be a gift of genius, choice of means is a mark of sound sense. Discovery comes by special grace and very seldom. For many can follow up a thing when found, but to find it first is the gift of the few, and those the first in excellence and in age. Novelty flatters, and if successful gives the possessor double credit. In matters of judgment novelties are dangerous because leading to paradox, in matters of genius they deserve all praise. Yet both equally deserve applause if successful.
283. Cultivate the ability to innovate. It's a sign of exceptional talent, though genius often borders on madness. While innovation is a gift, choosing the right approach is a mark of wisdom. Breakthroughs are rare and come through special insight. Many can develop an idea once it's found, but discovering it first is reserved for the elite few—those at the pinnacle of excellence and experience. Innovation is appealing and, when successful, brings double the recognition. In matters of judgment, new ideas can be risky as they may lead to controversy. In creative pursuits, however, they're praiseworthy. Ultimately, both deserve acclaim if they prove successful.
284. Do not be Importunate, and so you will not be slighted. Respect yourself if you would have others respect you. Be sooner sparing than lavish with your presence. You will thus become desired and so well received. Never come unasked and only go when sent for. If you undertake a thing of your own accord you get all the blame if it fails, none of the thanks If it succeeds. The importunate is always the butt of blame; and because he thrusts himself in without shame he is thrust out with it.
284. Don't be pushy, or you'll be dismissed. Value yourself if you want others to value you. Be selective rather than excessive with your presence. This will make you more desirable and welcome. Never show up uninvited and only go when asked. If you take on something voluntarily, you'll be blamed if it fails and receive no thanks if it succeeds. The persistent person always gets the blame, and because they force themselves in shamelessly, they're forced out with shame.
285. Never die of another's Ill-luck. Notice those who stick in the mud, and observe how they call others to their aid so as to console themselves with a companion in misfortune. They seek some one to help them to bear misfortune, and often those who turned the cold shoulder on them in prosperity give them now a helping hand. There is great caution needed in helping the drowning without danger to oneself.
285. Don't be dragged down by others' misfortunes. Be aware of those who are struggling; they often seek company in their misery. Notice how they call for help, hoping to find comfort in shared hardship. People who ignored them during good times might suddenly offer support. Be cautious when helping those in trouble—ensure you don't put yourself at risk in the process.
286. Do not become responsible for all or for every one, otherwise you become a slave and the slave of all. Some are born more fortunate than others: they are born to do good as others to receive it. Freedom is more precious than any gifts for which you may be tempted to give it up. Lay less stress on making many dependent on you than on keeping yourself independent of any. The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good. Above all do not regard responsibility as a favour, for generally it is another's plan to make one dependent on him.
286. Don't take responsibility for everyone and everything, or you'll end up enslaved to all. Some people are naturally inclined to help, while others are meant to receive help. Freedom is more valuable than any gift that might tempt you to give it up. Focus more on maintaining your independence than on having many people depend on you. The main benefit of power is the ability to do more good. Above all, don't view responsibility as a favor—it's often someone else's strategy to make you dependent on them.
287. Never act in a passion. If you do, all is lost. You cannot act for yourself if you are not yourself, and passion always drives out reason. In such cases inter-pose a prudent go-between who can only be prudent if he keeps cool. That is why lookers-on see most of the game, because they keep cool. As soon as you notice that you are losing your temper beat a wise retreat. For no sooner is the blood up than it is spilt, and in a few moments occasion may be given for many days' repentance for oneself and complaints of the other party.
287. Never act in anger. Doing so leads to disaster. You can't make good decisions when you're not in control of yourself, and strong emotions always cloud judgment. In such situations, involve a level-headed mediator who can only be effective if they remain calm. This is why bystanders often see things more clearly—they're not emotionally involved. As soon as you feel yourself losing your cool, make a strategic withdrawal. Once tempers flare, damage is done quickly, and a moment's outburst can lead to days of regret and grievances from all sides.
288. Live for the moment. Our acts and thoughts and all must be determined by circumstances. Will when you may, for time and tide wait for no man. Do not live by certain fixed rules, except those that relate to the cardinal virtues. Nor let your will subscribe fixed conditions, for you may have to drink the water to-morrow which you cast away to-day. There be some so absurdly paradoxical that they expect all the circumstances of an action should bend to their eccentric whims and not vice versâ. The wise man knows that the very polestar of prudence lies in steering by the wind.
288. Live in the present. Our actions, thoughts, and everything else should be guided by the current situation. Act when the opportunity arises, as time and circumstances won't wait for anyone. Don't adhere to rigid rules, except for those concerning fundamental virtues. Avoid setting inflexible conditions for yourself, as you might need tomorrow what you reject today. Some people are so unreasonably stubborn that they expect all circumstances to conform to their odd whims, rather than adapting themselves. The wise person understands that true prudence lies in adjusting to the prevailing conditions.
289. Nothing depreciates a man more than to show he is a man like other men. The day he is seen to be very human he ceases to be thought divine. Frivolity is the exact opposite of reputation. And as the re-served are held to be more than men, so the frivolous are held to be less. No failing causes such failure of respect. For frivolity is the exact opposite of solid seriousness. A man of levity cannot be a man of weight even when he is old, and age should oblige him to be prudent. Although this blemish is so common it is none the less despised.
289. Nothing diminishes a person more than revealing they're just like everyone else. The moment they're seen as ordinary, they lose their aura of greatness. Frivolity is the antithesis of a good reputation. While reserved individuals are seen as exceptional, frivolous ones are viewed as inferior. No flaw causes such a loss of respect. Frivolity directly opposes seriousness and gravitas. A lighthearted person can't be taken seriously, even in old age when they should be wiser. Although this flaw is common, it remains widely scorned.
290. ’Tis a piece of good fortune to combine men's love and respect. Generally one dare not be liked if one would be respected. Love is more sensitive than hate. Love and honour do not go well together. So that one should aim neither to be much feared nor much loved. Love introduces confidence, and the further this advances, the more respect recedes. Prefer to be loved with respect rather than with passion, for that is a love suitable for many.
290. It's a rare blessing to be both loved and respected. Often, to gain respect, one must sacrifice being liked. Love is more delicate than hatred. Love and honor rarely coexist harmoniously. Therefore, aim for a balance—neither feared nor adored excessively. Love breeds familiarity, and as it grows, respect often diminishes. Strive to be loved with respect rather than passion, for such love is more enduring and widely attainable.
291. Know how to test. The care of the wise must guard against the snare of the wicked. Great judgment is needed to test that of another. It is more important to know the characteristics and properties of persons than those of vegetables and minerals. It is indeed one of the shrewdest things in life. You can tell metals by their ring and men by their voice. Words are proof of integrity, deeds still more. Here one requires extraordinary care, deep observation, subtle discernment, and judicious decision.
291. Know how to assess people. The prudent must be wary of traps set by the cunning. It takes great judgment to evaluate others accurately. Understanding people's traits and behaviors is more crucial than knowing about plants and rocks. It's one of life's most valuable skills. You can judge metals by their sound and people by their voice. Words indicate integrity, but actions speak louder. This skill demands exceptional care, keen observation, subtle perception, and sound judgment.
292. Let your personal qualities surpass those of your office, Let it not be the other way about. How-ever high the post, the person should be higher. An extensive capacity expands and dilates more and more as his office becomes higher. On the other hand, the narrow-minded will easily lose heart and come to grief with diminished responsibilities and reputation. The great Augustus thought more of being a great man than a great prince. Here a lofty mind finds fit place, and well-grounded confidence finds its opportunity.
292. Let your character outshine your job title. Don't let your position define you. No matter how prestigious the role, your personal qualities should be even more impressive. A person with great capacity grows and expands as they take on higher positions. In contrast, those with a narrow mindset will struggle and falter when faced with increased responsibilities and expectations. Emperor Augustus valued being a great individual more than being a great ruler. This is where a noble spirit thrives, and well-founded confidence finds its true purpose.
293. Maturity. It is shown in the costume, still more in the customs. Material weight is the sign of a precious metal; moral, of a precious man. Maturity gives finish to his capacity and arouses respect. A composed bearing in a man forms a façade to his soul. It does not consist in the insensibility of fools, as frivolity would have it, but in a calm tone of authority. With men of this kind sentences are orations and acts are deeds. Maturity finishes a man off, for each is so far a complete man according as he possesses maturity. On ceasing to be a child a man begins to gain seriousness and authority.
293. Maturity is evident in one's appearance and behavior. Just as weight indicates a valuable metal, moral weight signifies a valuable person. Maturity refines one's abilities and commands respect. A composed demeanor forms the outward face of one's inner self. This doesn't mean the insensitivity of fools, as some might frivolously suggest, but rather a calm air of authority. For mature individuals, their words carry weight and their actions have significance. Maturity completes a person; one becomes more of a complete individual as they gain maturity. As childhood ends, a person begins to develop gravitas and authority.
294. Be moderate in your views. Every one holds views according to his interest, and imagines he has abundant grounds for them. For with most men judgment has to give way to inclination. It may occur that two may meet with exactly opposite views and yet each thinks to have reason on his side, yet reason is always true to itself and never has two faces. In such a difficulty a prudent man will go to work with care, for his decision of his opponent's view may cast doubt on his own. Place yourself in such a case in the other man's place and then investigate the reasons for his opinion. You will not then condemn him or justify yourself in such a confusing way.
294. Keep your views balanced. Everyone forms opinions based on their own interests, believing they have solid reasons for them. Often, people's judgments are swayed by personal preferences rather than logic. Two people might hold completely opposite views, each thinking they're right. Yet true reason is consistent and doesn't contradict itself. In such situations, be cautious. Questioning someone else's view might cast doubt on your own. Try to see things from the other person's perspective and understand their reasoning. This approach will help you avoid hasty judgments and unjustified self-justification in complex debates.
295. Do not affect what you have not effected. Many claim exploits without the slightest claim. 'With the greatest coolness they make a mystery of all. Chameleons of applause they afford others a surfeit of laughter. Vanity is always objectionable, here it is despicable. These ants of honour go crawling about filching scraps of exploits. The greater your exploits the less you need affect them: content yourself with doing, leave the talking to others. Give away your deeds but do not sell them. And do not hire venal pens to write down praises in the mud, to the derision of the knowing ones. Aspire rather to be a hero than merely to appear one.
295. Don't take credit for what you haven't done. Many people claim achievements without any basis. They coolly make everything seem mysterious. Like chameleons seeking applause, they make others laugh at their expense. Vanity is always off-putting, but here it's contemptible. These glory-seekers scurry about, stealing bits of others' accomplishments. The greater your achievements, the less you need to flaunt them. Focus on doing; let others do the talking. Share your deeds freely, but don't sell them. Don't pay writers to praise you, as the wise will mock such efforts. Strive to be a genuine hero rather than just appear to be one.
296. Noble qualities. Noble qualities make noblemen: a single one of them is worth more than a multitude of mediocre ones. There was once a man who made all his belongings, even his household utensils, as great as possible. How much more ought a great man see that the qualities of his soul are as great as possible. In God all is eternal and infinite, so in a hero everything should be great and majestic, so that all his deeds, nay, all his words, should he pervaded by a transcendent majesty.
296. Noble qualities define true nobility. A single exceptional trait outweighs countless average ones. Once, a man made all his possessions, even everyday items, as grand as possible. How much more should a great individual strive to cultivate the grandest qualities of character? In God, all is eternal and infinite; similarly, in a hero, everything should embody greatness and majesty. All their actions and words should exude an extraordinary dignity.
297. Always act as if your acts were seen. He must see all round who sees that men see him or will see him. He knows that walls have ears and that ill deeds rebound back. Even when alone he acts as if the eyes of the whole world were upon him. For as he knows that sooner or later all will be known, so he considers those to be present as witnesses who must afterwards hear of the deed. He that wished the whole world might always see him did not mind that his neighbours could see him over their walls.
297. Act as if you're always being watched. Be aware that people may observe your actions now or learn about them later. Imagine that walls have ears and that misdeeds always come back to haunt you. Even when alone, behave as if the entire world is watching. Remember that eventually, everything comes to light. Consider future witnesses as if they're already present, knowing they'll hear about your actions. The person who doesn't mind their neighbors peeking over the fence is comfortable with the whole world seeing what they do.
298. Three things go to a prodigy. They are the choicest gifts of heaven's prodigality—a fertile genius, a profound intellect, a pleasant and refined taste. To think well is good, to think right is better: ’tis the understanding of the good. It will not do for the judgment to reside in the backbone: it would be of more trouble than use. To think aright is the fruit of a reasonable nature. At twenty the will rules; at thirty the intellect; at forty the judgment. There are minds that shine in the dark like the eyes of the lynx, and are most clear where there is most darkness. Others are more adapted for the occasion: they always hit on that which suits the emergency: such a quality produces much and good; a sort of fecund felicity. In the meantime good taste seasons the whole of life.
298. Three qualities make a prodigy: a fertile imagination, deep understanding, and refined taste. These are heaven's finest gifts. Thinking well is good, but thinking correctly is better—it's the essence of good judgment. Intelligence shouldn't be rigid; that would be more hindrance than help. Sound thinking comes from a rational mind. At 20, willpower dominates; at 30, intellect; at 40, judgment. Some minds shine brightest in darkness, like a lynx's eyes, seeing clearest when others can't. Others excel at adapting to circumstances, always finding the right solution. This produces abundant, quality results—a kind of fruitful genius. Throughout it all, good taste enhances every aspect of life.
299. Leave off hungry. One ought to remove even the bowl of nectar from the lips. Demand is the measure of value. Even with regard to bodily thirst it is a mark of good taste to slake but not to quench it. Little and good is twice good. The second time comes a great falling off. Surfeit of pleasure was ever dangerous and brings down the ill-will of the highest powers. The only way to please is to revive the appetite by the hunger that is left. If you must excite desire, better do it by the impatience of want than by the repletion of enjoyment. Happiness earned gives double joy.
299. Quit while you're still hungry. Remove even the sweetest treat from your lips before you're fully satisfied. Demand determines value. Even with physical thirst, it's tasteful to ease it without completely quenching it. A small amount of something good is doubly satisfying. The second helping often disappoints. Overindulgence is always risky and can invite misfortune. The best way to please is to leave people wanting more. If you must create desire, it's better to do so through anticipation rather than satiation. Happiness that's earned brings twice the joy.
300. In one word, be a saint. So is all said at once. Virtue is the link of all perfections, the centre of all the felicities. She it is that makes a man prudent, discreet, sagacious, cautious, wise, courageous, thoughtful, trustworthy, happy, honoured, truthful, and a universal hero. Three HHH's make a man happy—health, holiness, and a headpiece. Virtue is the sun of the microcosm, and has for hemisphere a good conscience. She is so beautiful that she finds favour with both God and man. Nothing is lovable but virtue, nothing detestable but vice. Virtue alone is serious, all else is but jest. A man's capacity and greatness are to be measured by his virtue and not by his fortune. She alone is all-sufficient. She makes men lovable in life, memorable after death.
300. Be a saint. That's the whole message in one word. Virtue connects all perfections and is the core of all happiness. It makes a person prudent, discreet, wise, cautious, courageous, thoughtful, trustworthy, happy, honored, truthful, and an all-around hero. Three H's make a person happy: health, holiness, and a sharp mind. Virtue is the sun of the inner world, with a clear conscience as its horizon. It's so beautiful that it pleases both God and humanity. Only virtue is lovable; only vice is detestable. Virtue alone is serious; everything else is just play. A person's worth and greatness are measured by their virtue, not their wealth. Virtue is all you need. It makes people lovable in life and memorable after death.