51. Know how to Choose well. Most of life depends thereon. It needs good taste and correct judgment, for which neither intellect nor study suffices. To be choice, you must choose, and for this two things are needed: to be able to choose at all, and then to choose the best. There are many men of fecund and subtle mind, of keen judgment, of much learning, and of great observation who yet are at a loss when they come to choose. They always take the worst as if they had tried to go wrong. Thus this is one of the greatest gifts from above.
51. Know how to make good choices. Most of life depends on this skill. It requires good taste and sound judgment, which neither intelligence nor education alone can provide. To be selective, you must be able to choose, and this involves two steps: having the ability to choose at all, and then selecting the best option. Many people with fertile and sharp minds, keen judgment, extensive knowledge, and great observational skills still struggle when it comes to making choices. They consistently pick the worst option, as if they were deliberately trying to make poor decisions. This ability to choose well is one of the greatest gifts one can receive.
52. Never be put out. ’Tis a great aim of prudence never to be embarrassed. It is the sign of a real man. of a noble heart, for magnanimity is not easily put out. The passions are the humours of the soul, and every excess in them weakens prudence; if they overflow through the mouth, the reputation will be in danger. Let a man therefore be so much and so great a master over himself that neither in the most fortunate nor in the most adverse circumstances can anything cause his reputation injury by disturbing his self-possession, but rather enhance it by showing his superiority.
52. Never lose your composure. A key goal of wisdom is to remain unruffled. This is the mark of a true individual, of a noble spirit, for greatness is not easily shaken. Emotions are the temperament of the soul, and any excess weakens judgment. If they spill out through words, one's reputation is at risk. Therefore, one should have such mastery over oneself that neither in the best nor worst of times can anything harm their standing by disrupting their self-control. Instead, let challenging situations enhance one's reputation by demonstrating their superiority.
53. Diligent and Intelligent. Diligence promptly executes what intelligence slowly excogitates. Hurry is the failing of fools; they know not the crucial point and set to work without preparation. On the other hand, the wise more often fail from procrastination; foresight begets deliberation, and remiss action often nullifies prompt judgment. Celerity is the mother of good fortune. He has done much who leaves nothing over till to-morrow. Festina lente is a royal motto.
53. Diligent and intelligent. Diligence swiftly implements what intelligence carefully plans. Rushing is a mistake made by fools; they don't understand the key issues and begin without proper preparation. Conversely, the wise often fail due to procrastination; foresight leads to deliberation, and slow action can negate quick decision-making. Speed is the key to success. Those who leave nothing for tomorrow have accomplished much. "Make haste slowly" remains a royal motto.
54. Know how to show your Teeth. Even hares can pull the mane of a dead lion. There is no joke about courage. Give way to the first and you must yield to the second, and so on till the last, and to gain your point at last costs as much trouble as would have gained much more at first. Moral courage exceeds physical; it should be like a sword kept ready for use in the scabbard of caution. It Is the shield of great place; moral cowardice lowers one more than physical. Many have had eminent qualities, yet, for want of a stout heart, they passed inanimate lives and found a tomb in their own sloth. Wise Nature has thoughtfully combined in the bee the sweetness of its honey with the sharpness of its sting.
54. Know how to stand your ground. Even the weakest can take advantage of those who have fallen from power. Courage is no laughing matter. Give in once, and you'll be forced to yield again and again. Achieving your goal after repeated concessions costs more than standing firm from the start. Moral courage surpasses physical bravery; it should be like a sword, ready for use but sheathed in caution. It's the shield of great leadership, while moral cowardice is more damaging than physical fear. Many people with remarkable qualities have lived unremarkable lives and faded into obscurity due to a lack of backbone. Nature, in its wisdom, gave bees both sweet honey and sharp stings.
55. Wait. It's a sign of a noble heart dowered with patience, never to be in a hurry, never to be in a passion. First be master over yourself if you would be master over others. You must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the centre of opportunity. A wise reserve seasons the aims and matures the means. Time's crutch effects more than the iron club of Hercules. God Himself chasteneth not with a rod but with time. He 1 spake a great word who said, "Time and I against any two." Fortune herself rewards waiting with the first prize.
55. Patience. A noble heart shows patience, never rushing or losing its temper. To lead others, first master yourself. You must navigate life's twists and turns before reaching your moment of opportunity. Wise restraint refines goals and improves methods. Time's gentle influence achieves more than brute force. Even God corrects with time, not punishment. As the saying goes, "Time and I against any two." Fortune favors those who wait.
56. Have Presence of Mind. The child of a happy promptitude of spirit. Owing to this vivacity and wideawakeness there is no fear of danger or mischance. Many reflect much only to go wrong in the end: others attain their aim without thinking of it beforehand. There are natures of Antiperistasis who work best in an emergency. They are like monsters who succeed in all they do offhand, but fail in aught they think over. A thing occurs to them at once or never: for them there is no court of appeal. Celerity wins applause because it proves remarkable capacity; subtlety of judgment, prudence in action.
56. Be quick-witted. This skill is born from a lively and alert mind. With such sharpness and awareness, you'll face no fear of danger or mishap. Many people overthink only to err in the end, while others achieve their goals without prior planning. Some individuals thrive under pressure, performing best in emergencies. They're like prodigies who excel in spontaneous tasks but falter when given time to think. For them, ideas strike instantly or not at all, with no chance for reconsideration. Swift thinking earns praise as it demonstrates exceptional ability, combining keen judgment with prudent action.
57. Slow and Sure. Early enough if well. Quickly done can be quickly undone. To last an eternity requires an eternity of preparation. Only excellence counts; only achievement endures. Profound intelligence is the only foundation for immortality. Worth much costs much. The precious metals are the heaviest.
57. Steady progress. Timing matters less than quality. Rush jobs often lead to mistakes. Lasting success requires thorough preparation. Only excellence stands the test of time. Enduring achievements are built on deep understanding. True value comes at a cost. The most precious things often carry the most weight.
58. Adapt Yourself to your Company. There is no need to show your ability before every one. Employ no more force than is necessary. Let there be no unnecessary expenditure either of knowledge or of power. The skilful falconer only flies enough birds to serve for the chase. If there is too much display to-day there will be nothing to show to-morrow. Always have some novelty wherewith to dazzle. To show something fresh each day keeps expectation alive and conceals the limits of capacity.
58. Adapt to your audience. There's no need to showcase your talents to everyone. Use only the skills and knowledge required for the situation. Like a skilled falconer who releases just enough birds for the hunt, don't overexert yourself. Excessive display today leaves nothing for tomorrow. Always have something new up your sleeve to impress others. Revealing fresh ideas daily maintains interest and masks the boundaries of your abilities.
59. Finish off well. In the house of Fortune, if you enter by the gate of pleasure you must leave by that of sorrow and vice versâ. You ought therefore to think of the finish, and attach more importance to a graceful exit than to applause on entrance. ’Tis the common lot of the unlucky to have a very fortunate outset and a very tragic end. The important point is not the vulgar applause on entrance—that comes to nearly all—but the general feeling at exit. Few in life are felt to deserve an encore. Fortune rarely accompanies any one to the door: warmly as she may welcome the coming, she speeds but coldly the parting guest.
59. End on a high note. In life's game of chance, entering through the door of joy often means exiting through one of sorrow, and vice versa. Therefore, focus on your finale, prioritizing a graceful exit over a grand entrance. It's common for the unfortunate to start brilliantly but end tragically. What matters isn't the initial applause—most receive that—but the overall impression you leave. Few earn an encore in life. Fortune seldom escorts anyone to the door; she may greet newcomers warmly, but bids farewell with chilly indifference.
60. A Sound Judgment. Some are born wise, and with this natural advantage enter upon their studies, with a moiety already mastered. With age and experience their reason ripens, and thus they attain a sound judgment. They abhor everything whimsical as leading prudence astray, especially in matters of state, where certainty is so necessary, owing to the importance of the affairs involved., Such men deserve to stand by the helm of state either as pilots or as men at the wheel.
60. Sound judgement. Some people are naturally wise, giving them a head start in their studies. As they age and gain experience, their reasoning skills improve, leading to sound judgment. These individuals dislike anything impulsive or fanciful, seeing it as a threat to prudent decision-making. This is especially true in matters of state, where certainty is crucial due to the high stakes involved. Such people are well-suited to lead governments, either as top officials or key advisors.
61. To Excel in what is Excellent. A great rarity among excellences. You cannot have a great man without something pre-eminent. Mediocrities never win applause. Eminence in some distinguished post distinguishes one from the vulgar mob and ranks us with the elect. To be distinguished in a Small post is to be great in little: the more comfort, the less glory. The highest eminence in great affairs has the royal characteristic of exciting admiration and winning goodwill.
61. Strive for excellence. True greatness comes from exceptional talent. Mediocrity never earns praise. Outstanding performance in a notable field sets you apart from the crowd and places you among the elite. Being exceptional in a minor role is like being a big fish in a small pond: more comfortable, but less prestigious. Achieving the highest level of excellence in important matters has the royal quality of inspiring admiration and earning respect.
62. Use good Instruments. Some would have the subtlety of their wits proven by the meanness of their instruments. ’Tis a dangerous satisfaction, and deserves a fatal punishment. The excellence of a minister never diminished the greatness of his lord. All the glory of exploits reverts to the principal actor; also all the blame. Fame only does business with principals. She does not say, "This had good, that had bad servants," but, "This was a good artist, that a bad one." Let your assistants be selected and tested therefore, for you have to trust to them for an immortality of fame.
62. Use quality tools. Some try to showcase their cleverness by succeeding with inferior resources. This is a risky approach that often backfires. A minister's excellence never diminishes their lord's greatness. All glory and blame for achievements falls on the leader. History only remembers the key players. It doesn't say, "This person had good or bad assistants," but rather, "This person was skilled or unskilled." Therefore, carefully select and evaluate your team, as they will influence your lasting reputation.
63. To he the First of the Kind is an Excellence, and to be eminent in it as well, a double one. To have the first move is a great ad-vantage when the players are equal. Many a man would have been a veritable Phœnix if he had been the first of the sort. Those who come first are the heirs of Fame; the others get only a younger brother's allowance: whatever they do, they cannot persuade the world they are anything more than parrots. The skill of prodigies may find a new path to eminence, but prudence accompanies them all the way. By the novelty of their enterprises sages write their names in the golden book of heroes. Some prefer to be first in things of minor import than second in greater exploits.
63. Being the first in a field is an accomplishment, and excelling in it is even more impressive. Having the first move is a significant advantage when competitors are evenly matched. Many individuals could have been truly exceptional if they had pioneered their fields. Those who come first inherit fame; latecomers receive only a fraction of recognition. No matter what they achieve, followers struggle to convince others they are more than mere imitators. Prodigies may find new paths to excellence, but wisdom guides them throughout. Through innovative endeavors, the wise inscribe their names in history. Some prefer to lead in minor matters rather than follow in greater pursuits.
64. Avoid Worry. Such prudence brings its own reward. It escapes much, and is thus the midwife of comfort and so of happiness. Neither give nor take bad news unless it can help. Some men's ears are stuffed with the sweets of flattery; others with the bitters of scandal, while some cannot live without a daily annoyance no more than Mithridates could without poison. It is no rule of life to prepare for yourself lifelong trouble in order to give a temporary enjoyment to another, however near and dear. You never ought to spoil your own chances to please another who advises and keeps out of the affair, and in all cases where to oblige another involves disobliging yourself, ’tis a standing rule that it is better he should suffer now than you afterwards and in vain.
64. Avoid worry. Prudence brings its own rewards. It helps you escape many troubles, fostering comfort and happiness. Don't share or seek bad news unless it can help. Some people surround themselves with flattery, others with gossip, while some need daily drama like Mithridates needed poison. Don't create long-term problems for yourself just to give someone else momentary pleasure, no matter how close they are. Never compromise your own interests to please someone who advises from the sidelines. When pleasing others means harming yourself, remember: it's better for them to be disappointed now than for you to suffer later in vain.
65. Elevated Taste. You can train it like the intellect. Full knowledge whets desire and increases enjoyment. You may know a noble spirit by the elevation of his taste: it must be a great thing that can satisfy a great mind. Big bites for big mouths, lofty things for lofty spirits. Before their judgment the bravest tremble, the most perfect lose confidence. Things of the first importance are few; let appreciation be rare. Taste can be imparted by intercourse: great good luck to associate with the highest taste. But do not affect to be dissatisfied with everything: ’tis the extreme of folly, and more odious if from affectation than if from Quixotry. Some would have God create another world and other ideals to satisfy their fantastic imagination.
65. Refined taste. You can cultivate taste just like intellect. Deep understanding enhances desire and enjoyment. A noble spirit is recognizable by its elevated tastes; only great things can satisfy a great mind. Ambitious people seek substantial challenges, and lofty spirits pursue grand ideals. The bravest falter and the most accomplished doubt themselves before discerning judgment. Truly exceptional things are rare; let appreciation match their scarcity. Taste can be developed through social interaction; it's fortunate to associate with those of the highest refinement. However, avoid appearing dissatisfied with everything; this is utterly foolish and more offensive when affected than when genuine. Some people wish for an entirely new world with different ideals to satisfy their wild imagination.
66. See that Things end well. Some regard more the rigour of the game than the winning of it, but to the world the discredit of the final failure does away with any recognition of the previous care. The victor need not explain. The world does not notice the details of the measures employed; but only the good or ill result. You lose nothing if you gain your end. A good end gilds everything, however unsatisfactory the means. Thus at times it is part of the art of life to transgress the rules of the art, if you cannot end well otherwise.
Ensure a successful outcome. Some people focus more on following the rules strictly than on winning, but in the world's eyes, a final failure erases any recognition of previous efforts. Winners don't need to explain themselves. People don't pay attention to the details of how you achieved something; they only care about the end result, good or bad. You lose nothing if you achieve your goal. A positive outcome justifies everything, even if the methods were questionable. Sometimes, succeeding in life requires bending the rules of your craft, especially if it's the only way to reach a favorable conclusion.
67. Prefer Callings "en Evidence." Most things depend on the satisfaction of others. Esteem is to excellence what the zephyr is to flowers, the breath of life. There are some callings which gain universal esteem, while others more important are without credit. The former, pursued before the eyes of all, obtain the universal favour; the others, though they are rarer and more valuable, remain obscure and unperceived, honoured but not applauded. Among princes conquerors are the most celebrated, and therefore the kings of Aragon earned such applause as warriors, conquerors, and great men. An able man will prefer callings en evidence which all men know of and utilise, and he thus becomes immortalised by universal suffrage.
67. Favor high-profile careers. Most success depends on others' approval. Esteem is as vital to excellence as a gentle breeze is to flowers. Some professions naturally attract widespread admiration, while other, arguably more crucial ones, go unrecognized. The former, carried out in the public eye, win universal favor. The latter, though rarer and more valuable, remain obscure and unnoticed—respected but not celebrated. Among leaders, conquerors are the most renowned. This explains why Aragon's kings earned such praise as warriors, conquerors, and great men. A wise person will choose visible careers that everyone knows and values, thus achieving immortality through public acclaim.
68. It is better to help with Intelligence than with Memory. The more as the latter needs only recollection, the former νοῦς. Many persons omit the à propos because it does not occur to them; a friend's advice on such occasions may enable them to see the advantages. ’Tis one of the greatest gifts of mind to be able to offer what is needed at the moment: for want of that many things fail to be performed. Share the light of your intelligence, when you have any, and ask for it when you have it not, the first cautiously, the last anxiously. Give no more than a hint: this finesse is especially needful when it touches the interest of him whose attention you awaken. You should give but a taste at first, and then pass on to more when that is not sufficient. If he thinks of No, go in search of Yes. Therein lies the cleverness, for most things are not obtained simply because they are not attempted.
68. It's better to help with intelligence than with memory. The former requires only recall, while the latter demands true understanding. Many people miss opportunities because they don't think of them; a friend's advice can help them see the benefits. One of the greatest mental gifts is the ability to offer what's needed in the moment; without this, many things go undone. Share your insights when you have them, and ask for help when you don't. Do the first carefully, and the second earnestly. Offer only a hint: this subtlety is especially important when it affects the interests of the person you're alerting. Start with a small taste, then provide more if necessary. If they're hesitant, look for ways to get them to agree. Therein lies the skill, for most things aren't achieved simply because they're never attempted.
69. Do not give way to every common Impulse. He is a great man who never allows himself to be influenced by the impressions of others. Self-reflection is the school of wisdom. To know one's disposition and to allow for it, even going to the other extreme so as to find the juste milieu between nature and art. Self-knowledge is the beginning of self-improvement. There be some whose humours are so monstrous that they are always under the influence of one or other of them, and put them in place of their real inclinations. They are torn asunder by such disharmony and get involved in contradictory obligations. Such excesses not only destroy firmness of will; all power of judgment gets lost, desire and knowledge pulling in opposite directions.
69. Don't give in to every passing whim. A great person resists being swayed by others' impressions. Self-reflection is key to wisdom. Know your temperament and adjust for it, even overcompensating at times to find balance between instinct and skill. Self-awareness is the first step to self-improvement. Some people have such extreme moods that they're always controlled by one or another, mistaking these for their true desires. This inner conflict leads to contradictory behavior. Such extremes not only weaken willpower but also cloud judgment, as desires and reason pull in opposite directions.
70. Know how to Refuse. One ought not to give way in everything nor to everybody. To know how to refuse is therefore as important as to know how to consent. This is especially the case with men of position. All depends on the how. Some men's No is thought more of than the Yes of others: for a gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry Yes. There are some who always have No on their lips, whereby they make everything distasteful. No always comes first with them, and when sometimes they give way after all, it does them no good on account of the unpleasing herald. Your refusal need not be point-blank: let the disappointment come by degrees. Nor let the refusal be final; that would be to destroy dependence; let some spice of hope remain to soften the rejection. Let politeness compensate and fine words supply the place of deeds. Yes and No are soon said, but give much to think over.
70. The art of refusal. Knowing when to refuse is as crucial as knowing when to agree, especially for those in positions of authority. The manner of refusal is key. Some people's "No" carries more weight than others' "Yes," and a well-delivered refusal can be more satisfying than a reluctant agreement. Avoid being the person who always says "No" immediately, as it sours every interaction. When you must refuse, do so gracefully. Don't reject requests outright; instead, let the disappointment come gradually. Leave room for hope to soften the blow, maintaining a relationship for future interactions. Compensate for your refusal with politeness and carefully chosen words. While "Yes" and "No" are simple to say, they often require careful consideration. Master the art of refusal to maintain respect and goodwill in your interactions.
71. Do not Vacillate. Let not your actions be abnormal either from disposition or affectation. An able man is always the same in his best qualities; he gets the credit of trustworthiness. If he changes, he does so for good reason or good consideration. In matters of conduct change is hateful. There are some who are different every day; their intelligence varies, still more their will, and with this their fortune. Yesterday's white is to-day's black: to-day's No was yesterday's Yes. They always give the lie to their own credit and destroy their credit with others.
71. Don't be wishy-washy. Avoid erratic behavior, whether it's due to your nature or for show. A capable person consistently demonstrates their best qualities, earning a reputation for reliability. If they do change, it's for a good reason or after careful thought. In matters of behavior, inconsistency is off-putting. Some people are different every day; their thinking shifts, their will even more so, and consequently, their fortunes. What was right yesterday is wrong today; today's rejection was yesterday's acceptance. They constantly undermine their own credibility and damage their reputation with others.
72. Be Resolute. Bad execution of your designs does less harm than irresolution in forming them. Streams do less harm flowing than when dammed up. There are some men so infirm of purpose that they always require direction from others, and this not on account of any perplexity, for they judge clearly, but from sheer incapacity for action. It needs some skill to find out difficulties, but more to find a way out of them. There are others who are never in straits . their clear judgment and determined character it them for the highest callings: their intelligence tells them where to insert the thin end of the wedge, their resolution how to drive it home. They soon get through anything: as soon as they have done with one sphere of action, they are ready for another. Affianced to Fortune, they make themselves sure of success.
72. Be decisive. Poor execution of your plans is less harmful than indecision in making them. Rivers cause less damage when flowing freely than when obstructed. Some people are so unsure of themselves that they constantly need guidance from others, not due to confusion—they think clearly—but because they're unable to act. It takes skill to identify problems, but even more to solve them. Others never feel stuck; their clear judgment and determination suit them for the highest positions. Their intelligence shows them where to begin, and their resolve pushes them forward. They quickly overcome obstacles and, once finished with one task, are ready for the next. Committed to success, they make their own luck.
73. Utilise Slips. That is how smart people get out of difficulties. They extricate themselves from the most intricate labyrinth by some witty application of a bright remark. They get out of a serious contention by an airy nothing or by raising a smile. Most of the great leaders are well grounded in this art. When you have to refuse, it is often the polite way to talk of something else. Sometimes it proves the highest understanding not to understand.
73. Use clever diversions. Smart people escape tricky situations with witty remarks. They navigate complex problems by deploying a well-timed quip. They defuse serious arguments with light-hearted comments or by sparking laughter. Many great leaders excel at this skill. When declining a request, it's often polite to change the subject. Sometimes, the wisest move is to feign ignorance.
74. Do not be Unsociable. The truest wild beasts live in the most populous places. To be inaccessible is the fault of those who distrust themselves, whose honours change their manners. It is no way of earning people's goodwill by being ill-tempered with them. It is a sight to see one of those unsociable monsters who make a point of being proudly impertinent. Their dependants who have the misfortune to be obliged to speak with them, enter as if prepared for a fight with a tiger armed with patience and with fear. To obtain their post these persons must have ingratiated themselves with every one, but having once obtained it they seek to indemnify themselves by disobliging all. It is a condition of their position that they should be accessible to all, yet, from pride or spleen, they are so to none. ’Tis a civil way to punish such men by letting them alone, and depriving them of opportunities of improvement by granting them no opportunity of intercourse.
74. Don't be antisocial. The most dangerous people often thrive in crowded places. Inaccessibility is a trait of those who lack self-confidence, whose status has altered their behavior. Being ill-tempered won't win you any friends. It's shocking to see one of those antisocial monsters who pride themselves on being rudely arrogant. Their subordinates, unfortunate enough to interact with them, approach as if preparing for battle with a tiger, armed with patience and fear. To get their position, these individuals must have charmed everyone, but once in power, they seem bent on offending all. Their role requires them to be approachable, yet out of pride or spite, they're not. The best way to deal with such people is to simply avoid them, denying them the chance to improve by withholding opportunities for interaction.
75. Choose an Heroic Ideal; but rather to emulate than to imitate. There are exemplars of greatness, living texts of honour. Let every one have before his mind the chief of his calling not so much to follow him as to spur himself on. Alexander wept not on account of Achilles dead and buried, but over himself, because his fame had not yet spread throughout the world. Nothing arouses ambition so much in the heart as the trumpet-clang of another's fame. The same thing that sharpens envy, nourishes a generous spirit.
75. Choose a heroic role model, but aim to emulate rather than imitate. There are living examples of greatness and honor to learn from. Keep in mind the leader in your field, not to copy them but to motivate yourself. Alexander the Great didn't weep for Achilles' death, but because his own fame hadn't yet reached worldwide recognition. Nothing ignites ambition more than the echo of another's renown. The same force that fuels envy also nourishes a noble spirit.