Jed (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} jherzog) wrote,@ 2004-06-19 00:53:00 |
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Maxim 101
So I have this book "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" which is filled with 300 maxims written by Balthasar Gracian. It is interesting and quick reading (usually a nice compliment to the twelfth hour after eating a nice ear of corn, think about it). I had not found any of the maxims that applicable or at least personally intriguing until I got all the way to maxim 101. I find it wise in many ways or at least a worthy view. I thought of posting it now because I feel it ties in nicely to one of my latest posts concerning the constitution.
Anyways, enough from me, let me know what you think. Here is Maxim 101:
ONE HALF OF THE WORLD LAUGHS AT THE OTHER, AND FOOLS ARE THEY ALL. Everything is good or everything is bad according to who you ask. What one pursues another persecutes. He is an insufferable ass who would regulate everything according to his ideas. Excellences do not depend on a single person's pleasure. So many people, so many tastes, all different. There is no defect that is not affected by some. We need not lose heart if something does not please someone, for others will appreciate it; nor need their applause turn our head, for there will surely be others to condemn it. The real test of praise is the approval of renowned people and of experts in the field. You should aim to be independent of any one opinion, of any on fashion, of any one century.
So I have this book "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" which is filled with 300 maxims written by Balthasar Gracian. It is interesting and quick reading (usually a nice compliment to the twelfth hour after eating a nice ear of corn, think about it). I had not found any of the maxims that applicable or at least personally intriguing until I got all the way to maxim 101. I find it wise in many ways or at least a worthy view. I thought of posting it now because I feel it ties in nicely to one of my latest posts concerning the constitution.
Anyways, enough from me, let me know what you think. Here is Maxim 101:
ONE HALF OF THE WORLD LAUGHS AT THE OTHER, AND FOOLS ARE THEY ALL. Everything is good or everything is bad according to who you ask. What one pursues another persecutes. He is an insufferable ass who would regulate everything according to his ideas. Excellences do not depend on a single person's pleasure. So many people, so many tastes, all different. There is no defect that is not affected by some. We need not lose heart if something does not please someone, for others will appreciate it; nor need their applause turn our head, for there will surely be others to condemn it. The real test of praise is the approval of renowned people and of experts in the field. You should aim to be independent of any one opinion, of any on fashion, of any one century.
