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Don't live righteously, live terribly wisely.
Don't live righteously, live terribly wisely.
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Book Introduction
“Only wisdom can overcome money, power, and people.”
To survive wisely in a cold world
The most realistic and selfish advice


“Don’t reveal your true feelings easily”, “Avoid what you can avoid”, “Don’t criticize easily what the world approves”… .
These sentences, which seem like today's social media quotes, are actually the words of Baltasar Gracian, a priest and philosopher who was active 400 years ago.
He gained great fame for his sermons based on his unique insight and wealth of knowledge.
And his only book containing his philosophy of life, 『The Wisdom of Winning People』, is an immortal masterpiece that was later compared to Machiavelli's 『The Prince』, and this book 『Don't Live Rightly, Live Terribly Wisely』 is a collection of only the key sentences from it.

Although Baltasar Gracian was a priest, he thoroughly analyzed the logic of the world and human relationships and offered practical ways to protect oneself from a chaotic society.
His perfect wisdom, written for imperfect humans, will provide us with profound insight into how to live wisely in today's cold world.
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[Introduction] How to Control Anxiety with a Book of Wisdom: One Page a Day

Chapter 1.
“Don’t reveal your true feelings easily.”
_The Wisdom of Winning People


Don't keep people around you who are better than you / Don't reveal your true feelings easily / Let others think you have gained something / Let a little flaw show / Be needed rather than grateful / Reputation reaches unexpected places / Don't love too much, don't hate too much / Buying favors makes you comfortable / Be seen as better than you are / Keep your distance from people with a bad reputation / Don't give too much / The less capable you are, the more you bluff / The thought that 'I can do it' / Others don't fix your character / Networks are more important than knowledge / Those who are with you speak for themselves / Make friends with people who have something to gain / Those who have nothing to lose have no trust to keep / Life is short, but wisdom remains / People who cause problems / Turn competitors into allies / See through the other person's shortcomings / People who offend are everywhere / Be moderately sincere, moderately kind / Not many people have true friends / Misfortune attracts misfortune / Observe people as if you were studying them / Don't be fooled by first impressions / Use appearances when necessary / Don't be intimidated by appearances / Understand and predict your personality type / Be careful when dating sensitive people / Everyone has their own circumstances / Hatred belittles you / It is entirely up to you to bring out your own abilities / Miss out on luck because you are timid

Chapter 2.
“Appear larger than life.”
Wisdom for Success


Don't be caught being wise / Set the highest achievable goal / Don't reveal yourself more than necessary / Start with the difficult things / Hurry slowly / Don't tell everyone / The brighter the light shines, the faster it goes out / Feign ignorance / Appear to be greater than you actually are / The more difficult the task, the easier it is / Build expectations / Do more than you are supposed to / A cloud blocks the light of the great sun / Is calculating behavior bad / Use the best tools available / A predictable problem is not a problem / Only the victor goes to a better place / Read the direction of work / People who waste energy pointlessly / Sometimes luck is not on your side / Save your boss's face / Pointing out others is pointing out your own / Keeping your distance hides your flaws / Understand the other person's needs / Cold people don't last long / Nothing happens by accident / Everything has its prime / Don't stand out too much / Talent enriches life / Fame depends on ability / Step back gracefully / People who change their attitude too easily / The journey to a good reputation / Results Focus on what you get / A trainer retires a horse while it's winning / The best wears out quickly / Leave your comfort zone / Don't exhaust your resources at once / Reputation is the result of effort / Common sense is more important than tricks / To achieve what you really want to do / You don't need to know everything inside out

Chapter 3.
Avoid what you can avoid.
Wisdom for a Better Life


Prepare for difficult times on smooth days / Focus on yourself when you would envy others / Choose the certain, not the extraordinary / Be what people want you to be / To a wise man, enemies are better than allies / Patience does more than passion / Avoid what you can avoid / Always think someone is watching / When to move forward and when to stop / Do not ask back what you have lent / Beware of getting emotional / Do not go all the way because of pride / Do not get caught up in useless rumors / Do not show your feelings of pity / Hide your shortcomings as much as possible / Showing off your wealth is making enemies / There is no complete happiness or complete unhappiness / If you only seek comfort when you are young / Beware of extremes / Not everyone recognizes opportunities / Even the bright side fades with time / Stick to your initial plan / Wisdom overcomes strength / Judge according to the situation / The ending is more important than the beginning / A moment when it is better to do nothing / Do not overestimate yourself / If you want good company, be a good company first / One shortcoming that diminishes many strengths / Choose hunger over fullness / What A person who doesn't even know that he doesn't know / It's easy to make mistakes / Don't be satisfied with your ordinary self / Don't be overly cautious / Don't force your thoughts / The habit of not giving a definitive answer right away / Some people enjoy it, while others despair / The purpose of life

Chapter 4.
“No matter how long the night, the sun will always rise.”
_Wisdom that strengthens the inner self


Someone is waiting for you to lose your mind / Don't risk your life to help others / There is no worry that cannot be comforted / Knowing yourself is the first step to self-development / Break free from the past / Knowledge without courage has no power / Fate tests you at unexpected moments / You can't achieve anything if you just put it off / Planning alone is not execution / Dependence is indebtedness / Those who know you well become your greatest enemies / Sometimes show your displeasure / No matter how long the night, the sun will surely rise / Gossip will come back to you / Decide if it is something you can handle / Don't do too much, do what is important / You need both reason and emotion / Let go of sadness / Bad things don't happen alone / People who are not forgotten even after death / Surround yourself with friends, not enemies / Turning points come repeatedly / When desire disappears, worry begins / Why don't you even use the talents you have? / Thorough planning produces results / You need a sense of humor that doesn't go too far / Be strict with yourself / Why calm people are more valued / People who focus on positivity, People who focus on negativity / Insights that win people over / There are many lies in the world / Choose the right people to trust / When emotions run high, get away for a moment / The power to control daily life / Results driven by good intentions / An empty inner self is quickly exposed / Weaknesses are the first to be noticed / Don't act at risk / The power that comes from moments of frustration / If you have conviction, don't give in

Chapter 5.
“Don’t criticize what the world approves.”
Wisdom for Wise Conversations


Pretend to agree / Be the kind of person who can't make a mistake / Don't let your sincerity be suspected because of your tone / Ask only a few for advice / Ask when the other person is in a good mood / Don't criticize what the world approves / Your greatest desire is your greatest weakness / Don't tell or listen to secrets / A single word that makes the impossible possible / Less words mean less criticism / Speak only what you know / What people don't follow have in common / Being in the right position is like winning half the battle / How to effectively dig up secrets / When to tell the truth even if it means taking a risk / Don't make excessive excuses / Know when to keep silent / Wise refusal / Harsh words sting the heart / Laugh it off before it escalates / Kind words that make the other person uncomfortable / Communicate clearly / Exaggeration is like a lie / A person who is not welcomed by colleagues / Your heart is connected to your tone of voice / Even a perfect reputation can be destroyed in an instant / A person who is too serious is ridiculous / Rebut without fear / Don't get caught up in unfair fights / It's better not to tell a lame joke / Don't ask for agreement every time you speak Mara / Results remain, but words disappear / Funny people and ridiculous people / Don't win by being mean / Proving your own worthlessness / Sometimes like a dove, sometimes like a snake / The source of success is prudence / Don't believe everything at face value / Judge whether a person is all talk / Don't change your opinion easily / Perfect yourself / Act like a human being, and see like a god

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Into the book
Spain in the 17th century, when Baltasar lived, was in a period of decline as the power of the great empire that had dominated the world, led by the 'Invincible Armada', gradually waned.
The aftermath of the long war brought about an economic crisis, and poverty, depravity, injustice, and corruption became rampant in society.
Against this backdrop, Balthasar did not simply try to preach.
I wanted to provide the public with cool-headed and wise advice on how to maintain success and happiness without losing yourself in a chaotic society.

This book, completed in this way, has been passed around for 400 years and has provided enlightenment and inspiration to many.
In particular, the German philosopher Schopenhauer was so moved by this book when he was unknown that he even learned Spanish and translated it into German.
(…) Nietzsche also used Balthasar’s teachings as a lifelong guide, to the point of saying, “There is no book on life more sharp and clear than this.”
--- From "How to Control Anxiety with a Book of Wisdom, One Page a Day"

It is better not to keep close to people who seem brighter than you.
It doesn't matter whether you look good because of that person's good qualities or because you look cool because of jealousy.
When the other person is in the spotlight and honored, you are just overshadowed by him.
The moon can only shine brightly when the sun is absent.
Likewise, don't put yourself on the same test as someone who makes you look shabby, and associate with someone who doesn't shine as brightly as you.
The art of living is not to walk shoulder to shoulder with those who are better than you, but with ordinary people.

--- From "Don't keep anyone better than me by your side"

Don't give too much to others.
That person may not know how to be grateful.
It's okay to have a friend who you're a little grateful for, but if that gratitude becomes a huge burden, your friend may leave or turn into an enemy.
Because the debtor cannot stand the situation where the lender is always in front of him.
Give the other person what they want, but you don't really need it.
It is important to give something that the recipient will treasure.
--- From "Don't Give Too Much"

Anything that shatters the illusion that one is just an ordinary human being and not a superhuman being is wrong.
While prudence is a necessary virtue, being overly self-deprecating is also something to be avoided.
This will damage your reputation.
Once you're considered stupid, it's impossible to prove you're a good person.
--- From "Seem to be greater than you really are"

A wise man accepts advice with gratitude from anyone, and gains all he can from those who give him advice.
Learn from the stars.
No matter how brightly a star shines, it never tries to be more visible than the sun.
It is important to know your place.

--- From "Save Face for Your Boss"

If you lend something to a friend, don't ask for it back for nothing.
Save this line of help for emergencies.
When you are swept away by the storms of fate, you will receive help.
If you pay for a valuable action with trivial things, you will end up with nothing.
It's very important to know that you have someone you can rely on someday.
The reward you receive at important moments can determine your life.
If a powerful person becomes your ally, it is much more reassuring than any luck.
--- From "Don't ask back what you borrow"

There must be some good in what many people love and enjoy, even if it is not understood.
If you are the only one with a different opinion, you may be suspected and if you are wrong, you may be ridiculed.
Even if we criticize something that others like and appreciate, our judgment and senses are questioned.
If you don't understand the good points of what the world recognizes, hide them and don't criticize them publicly.
Wrong choices come from ignorance.
Just keep quiet and think to yourself, 'If everyone recognizes it, it must have value' or 'I wish it were so'.
--- From "Don't criticize what the world recognizes"

Publisher's Review
“This book is not only for survival or success.
This is not a book you should read
“This is a book you must read for the rest of your life.”

- Nietzsche, the greatest philosopher praised by Schopenhauer
- A self-help classic loved for 400 years


Who doesn't long for a more stable environment, harmonious relationships, and a successful life? Most modern people strive for these things, but very few ultimately achieve what they desire.
But you can't live your whole life in frustration.
How can we find balance between success and a peaceful life? The answer may lie in a book beloved by pivotal figures in modern history for 400 years.


Baltasar Gracian, a 17th-century Spanish philosopher and priest, gained great fame for his sermons based on his extraordinary insight and extensive knowledge of the world and humanity.
At the young age of only forty, he became widely known to the public and later published his masterpiece, The Wisdom of Winning People, which is comparable to Machiavelli's The Prince and is an immortal masterpiece.
This book, "Don't Live Right, Live Scarily Wisely," is a selection of the most important and contemporary content.

Books that deal with the 'philosophy of life' are often ambiguous or remain idealistic.
However, Balthasar's writing is extremely practical and realistic.
Despite being a priest who lived a life far removed from the real lives of ordinary people, he thoroughly analyzed the logic of the world and human relationships and sought to convey practical methods for protecting oneself from a chaotic society.


“A passage from this book woke me up.”
Not by the standards of the world or others, but only by my own standards
A Guide to Creating a Happy Life


Where did Balthasar's ideas, so realistic that they seem at first glance extremely secular, come from? The era in which he lived was one in which the mighty Spanish Empire, once dominated the world with its "Invincible Armada," was gradually waning and declining.
The aftermath of the long war brought about an economic crisis, and poverty, depravity, injustice, and corruption became widespread in society.
For some reason, the social atmosphere feels familiar.
Even in these turbulent times, Balthasar offered sober and wise advice to help people maintain success and happiness without losing themselves.

The world is full of hypocrisy and deception.
Those who deserve to succeed fail, and those who don't deserve to win win.
Moreover, the truthful person is ignored, and the flatterers rise to higher positions.
To succeed in this world, you must be careful.
Don't throw yourself into the world's contradictions rashly, listen to the thoughts of others, but hide your own thoughts as much as possible.
This is the greatest wisdom for living life.
_From the text

His writings have been circulated for 400 years, providing enlightenment and inspiration to many.
In particular, the German philosopher Schopenhauer was so moved by this book when he was unknown that he even learned Spanish and translated it into German.
Nietzsche also praised Balthasar's teachings as a lifelong guide, saying, "There is no book on life more sharp and clear than this."
It is said that even Churchill, the British Prime Minister who led the country to victory in World War II, always kept this book by his bedside.

Let go of expectations and keep your distance
You can get what you really want
Perfect advice for imperfect humans


"Don't Live Right, Live Fearfully Wisely" offers answers to life's countless concerns, from interpersonal relationships to success and motivation, that remain valid for hundreds of years.

Chapter 1, "Don't Reveal Your True Feelings Easily," covers advice on human relationships, where his brilliant wisdom shines through.
Chapter 2, "Appear Bigger Than You Really Are," provides tips on how to succeed.
Chapter 3, "Avoid What You Can," introduces what you need to prepare to recognize the opportunities that will come one day in life.
Chapter 4, “No matter how long the night, the sun will always rise,” explains how to know yourself accurately, that is, what the first step to self-development is.
The final chapter, Chapter 5, "Don't Criticize What the World Accepts," explains how to have a conversation that doesn't create enemies.
Balthasar's terrifyingly wise advice will provide the ultimate wisdom to any reader navigating difficult times.
I hope you keep it by your side and use it as a compass for your life.
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: May 16, 2024
- Page count, weight, size: 336 pages | 410g | 128*188*19mm
- ISBN13: 9791193128152
- ISBN10: 1193128153

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