The Art of Worldly Wisdom

The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia) is a book written in 1647 by Baltasar Gracián y Morales, better known as Baltasar Gracian. It is a collection of 300 maxims, each with a commentary, on various topics giving advice and guidance on how to live fully, advance socially, and be a better person, that became popular throughout Europe.



It was translated by Joseph Jacobs (London and New York City, Macmillan and co., 1892. Other editions are also available from:


 * Nayika, 2009, ISBN 978-0-955-95831-1; edited with a light commentary/footnotes
 * Shambhala Publications, 2004, ISBN 1-59030141-2
 * Christopher Maurer (Doubleday) 1992
 * Dover Publications, 2005, ISBN 0-48644034-6
 * Google Books as a free digital edition via partnership with Princeton University Library