Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian
([Nota preliminar: Edición digital a partir de la edición de Huesca, Juan Nogués, 1647 y cotejada con la edición crítica de Emilio Blanco (Madrid, Cátedra, 1997).])
Obrar de intención, ya segunda, y ya primera
Milicia es la vida del hombre contra la malicia del hombre, pelea la
sagazidad con estratagemas de intención. Nunca obra lo que indica,
apunta, sí, para deslumbrar; amaga al aire con destreza y executa en la
impensada realidad, atenta siempre a desmentir. Echa una intención para
assegurarse de la émula atención, y rebuelve luego contra ella venciendo
por lo impensado. Pero la penetrante inteligencia la previene con
atenciones, la azecha con reflexas, entiende siempre lo contrario de lo
que quiere que entienda, y conoce luego qualquier intentar de falso;
dexa passar toda primera intención, y está en espera a la segunda y aun
a la tercera. Augméntase la simulación al ver alcançado su artificio, y
pretende engañar con la misma verdad: muda de juego por mudar de treta,
y haze artificio del no artificio, fundando su astucia en la mayor
candidez. Acude la observación intendiendo su perspicacia, y descubre
las tinieblas revestidas de la luz; desçifra la intención, más solapada
quanto más sencilla. Desta suerte combaten la calidez de Pitón contra la
candidez de los penetrantes rayos de Apolo.
(Traduit & commente. Par le Sieur Amelot de la Houssaie, ci-devant Secretaire de l'Ambassade de France a Venise. Troisieme Edition, revue and corigee. A Paris. Chez la Veuve-Martin, and Jean Boudot, rue Saint Jaques, au Soliel d'or. M. DC. LXXXV (1685) Avec Priviledge du Roi)
Procéder quelquefois finement, quelque-fois rondement
Le Vie-Humaine est un combat
contre le malice de l'homme même. L'homme
adroit y emploie pour armes les
stratagemes de l'intention. Il ne fait jamais ce
qu'il montre avoir envie de faire, il mire
un but, meis c'est pour tromper les yeux,
qui le regardent. Il jete une parole en
l'air, & puis il fait une chose, à quoi
personne ne pensoit. S'il dit un mot, c'est
pour amuser ;'atention de ses rivaux; & des
Qu'élle est ocupee à ce qu'ils pensent, il
éxécute aussi-tôt ce qu'ils ne pensoient pas.
Celui donc, qui veut se garder d'étre trompé,
prévient la ruse de son compagnon par
de bonnes réfléxions. Il entend toujours
le contraire de ce qu'on veut, qu'il enterde,
&, par là, il découvre incontinent la
feinte. Il laisse passer le premier coup, pour
atendre de pié-ferme le second, ou le troi-fieme.
Et puis, quant son artifice est connu,
il resine sa dissimulation, en se sevent
de la vérité même, pour tromper. Il
change de jeu & de baterie, pour changer de
ruse. Sone artifice est de n'en avoir plus, &
toute sa finesse est de passer de la dessimulation
précédente a la candeur. Celui, qui
l'observe, & qui à de la pénétration,
connoissant l'adresse de son rival, se tient sur
fes gardes, & découvre les tenébres
revétuës de la lumiére. Il déchifre un
procédé d'autant plus caché, que tout y est
sincére. Et c'est ainsi que la finesse de
Piton combat contre la candeur d'Apollon.
Maxim/Aphorism No XIII/13 by Baltasar Gracian (Page 10-11) -
translated (1685) by Anonymous
(The Courtiers Manual Oracle: or, the Art of Prudence. Written Originally in
Spanish by Balthazar Gracian. And now done in English.
London: Printed for M. Flesher, for Abel Swalle, at the Sign of the
Unicorn, at the Sign of the Unicorn, at the West-End of St Pauls. 1685:
(Thanks to Dr. Georges T. Dodds of McGill University for lending me a PDF
copy of this version))
To proceed sometimes cunningly, sometimes candidly.
Man's life is a conflict with the malice of man himself. An expert man
for weapons uses the strategems of intention.
He never does what he seems
to have a mind to doe. He takes aim, but that is to deceive
the Eyes that look upon him. He blurts out a word in the air, and then
does a thing that no body dreamt of. If he comes out with a saying,
it is to amuse the attention of his Rivals, and
whilst that is taken up in considering what he
drives at, he presently acts what never
came into their thoughts. He then,
that takes heed not to be imposed upon,
prevents the cunning of his Companion by
good reflexions. He always understands
the contrary of what one would have
him to understand, and thereby he immediates
discovers the falsisie. He lets the
first pass goe, and expects the second
or third with a good guard. And when
afterwards his Artifice is known, he
refines his dissimulation, making use of
truth it self to deceive by. To change
his cunning, he changes his ground and
battery. His Artifice is to have no more
Art, and all is subtilty is to pass from
Dissimulation to Candour. He, who observes it
with a piercing Eye, knowing the Arts of his Rival,
stands upon his guard, and discovers darkness under
a veil of light. He unriddles a procedure, the more
mysterious, that every thing in it is sincere. And thus the
wiles of Pytho engage the candour of Apollo.
(The Art of Prudence: or, a Companion for a Man of Sense. Written originally in Spanish by that Celebrated Author Balthazar Gracian; now made English from the best Edition of the Original, and Illustrated with the Sieur Amelot de la Houssaie's Notes by Mr. Savage. London: Printed for Daniel Brown, without Temple Bar; J. Walthoe, in the Middle Temple Cloysters; and T. Benskin, at Lincolns-Inn Back-Gate)
To proceed sometimes cunningly, sometimes candidly.
Man's life is a perpetual Conflict with Man himself. An expert Person
uses for Weapons the strategems of Intention: He never does what he seems
to have a mind to do. He takes aim, 'tis true, but that only to deceive
the Eyes of those that look upon him. He blurts out a word, and
afterwards does what no body dreamt of. If he comes out with a Saying,
it whilst they are taken up in considering what he drives at, he
presently Acts, what never came into their Thoughts. He then, what takes
heed not to be imposed upon, prevents the cunning of his Companion, by
good Reflections. He always understands the contrary, of what one would
have him, and thereby immediately discovers the stratagem. He parrys
with first Pass, and expects the second, or third, in a good guard. And
when afterwards his Artifice comes to be known, he refines his
dissimulation, making use of Truth her self to deceive by. To change his
cunning, he changes his ground and Battery. His Artifice is to have no
more Art, and all his subtility is to pass from Dissimulation to
Candour. He, who observes with a piercing Eye, knows the Arts of his
Rival, stands upon his guard, and discovers darkness thro a veil of
light. He unriddles a procedure, which is the more mysterious, in that
every thing in it is sincere. And thus the wiles of Python combats the
candour of Apollo.
[this maxim was not translated]
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
adapted from the translation (1892) of Joseph Jacobs (1856-1916) (The Art of Worldy Wisdom by Baltasar Gracian.)
13: Act sometimes on second thoughts, sometimes on first impulse.
Man's life is a warfare against the malice of men. Sagacity fights with strategic changes of
intention : it never doing what it threatens, it aims only at escaping notice. It
aims in the air with dexterity and strikes home in an unexpected direction,
always seeking to conceal its game. It lets a purpose appear in order to
attract the opponent's attention, but then turns round and conquers by the
unexpected. But a penetrating intelligence anticipates this by watchfulness and
lurks in ambush. It always understands the opposite of what the opponent wishes
it to understand, and recognizes every feint of guile. It lets the first
impulse pass by and waits for the second, or even the third. Sagacity now
rises to higher flights on seeing its artifice foreseen: It tries to deceive by
truth itself, changes its game in order to change its deceit, cheats by not
cheating, and founds deception on the greatest candour. But the opposing
intelligence is on guard with increased watchfulness and discovers the darkness
concealed by the light and deciphers every move, the more subtle because more
simple. In this way the guile of the Python combats the far darting rays of
Apollo.
----
[from the Shambhala pocket classic adapted from the translation of Joseph Jacobs, ISBN: 0-87773-921-8, 2000 Edition - anonymous editorial changes made to the text in bold. In the 1993 pocket edition the anonymous editor mentions the Shambala edition was updated where necessary (due to dated syntax or grammar), by comparision with the Fischer (1934), Walton (1953) and Maurer (1992) versions.]
Act sometimes on second thoughts, sometimes on first impulse.
Life is a warfare against the malice of others. Sagacity fights with strategic changes of
intention - never doing what it threatens, aiming only to escape notice. It
aims in the air with dexterity and strikes home in an unexpected direction,
always seeking to conceal its game. It lets a purpose appear in order to
attract the opponent's attention, but then turns round and conquers by the
unexpected. But a penetrating intelligence anticipates this by watchfulness and
lurks in ambush. It always understands the opposite of what the opponent wishes
it to understand, and recognizes every feint of guile. It lets the first
impulse pass by and waits for the second, or even the third. Sagacity now
rises to higher flights on seeing its artifice foreseen: It tries to deceive by
truth itself, changing its game in order to change its deceit, cheats by not
cheating, and bases its deception on the greatest candor. But the opposing
intelligence is on guard with increased watchfulness and discovers the darkness
concealed by the light and deciphers every move, the more subtle because more
simple. In this way the guile of the Python combats the far darting rays of
Apollo.
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
translated (1934) by Martin Fischer (The Art of Worldy Wisdom by Baltasar Gracian; Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Springfield, Illinois)
13: "Accomplish your ends, sometimes indirectly, and sometimes directly.
Life if a struggle of man against man's malice, in which sagacit comes
to grips with the strategy of design. It never does the indicated, yea,
it takes aim to deceive, the fanfare is in the light but the execution
is in the dark, the purpose being always to belie. Intention is revealed
to divert the attention of the adversary, when it is changed to gain the
end by what was unexpected. But insight has perspicacity, is wary, and
waits behind its armor: sensing always the opposite of what is was to
sense, and recognizing at once the real purpose of the trick; it allows
every first hint to pass, lies in wait for a second, and even a third.
The simulation of truth now mounts higher by glossing the deception and
tries through truth itself to falsify: it changes the play in order to
change the trick, and makes the real appear the phantom: founding the
greatest fraud upon the greatest candor. But wariness is on watch seeing
clearly what is intended, and covering the blackness that was clothed in
light: recognizing that design most arful which looked most artless. In
such fashion is the wiliness of Python matched against the whiteness of
Apollo's penetrating rays."
[not present in the translation]
[not present in the translation]
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
from the 1947 translation of Otto Eisenschiml (1880-1963) - page 7,
Essential Books, Duell, Sloan and Pearce - New York
"Life is a battle of skill and wits, like a game of sports.
The successful player confuses his opponent by unexpected
moves, and changes them frequently, so as to turn
confusion into perplexity.
A noted diplomat once was visited by the representative of a neighboring
country.
"Sir," said the visitor, "if it were not against polite
behaviour, I would say that the last time we met, you
deceived me. You told me you were going out of town."
"But I did go," was the reply.
"That, sir," declared the other diplomat, "is how you deceived me.""
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
from the translation of L.B. Walton (1953) - page 59,
The Oracle: A Manual of the Art of Discretion by Baltasar Gracian, translated by L.B. Walton: London, J.M. Dent and Sons Ltd.
("Where a more of less literal rendering of the Spanish has been
found possible, words which, although they do not have their counterpart
in the Spanish text, are necessary in English to bring out the full
sense of the original, appear in square brackets.")
Behave sometimes disingenuously, hometimes with candour.
Man's life is a manoeuvre against the malice of men; crafty
schemes are the weapons of the shrewd. [Cunning] never behaves
as appearances would suggest: it takes its aim, indeed, in order
to provoke confusion: it skilfully contrives to keep its threats
indefinite and carries them out in an unforeseen way, intent
always upon dissimulation. It affords a glimpse of its purpose
in order to ensure the attention of a rival, and then does the very
opposite, triumphing by means of the unexpected. But keen
intelligence shrewdly foresees this [and] lies in thoughtful ambush;
it always comes to a conclusion contrary to the one it is intended
to reach and at once recognizes any attempt at deception: it
ignores every first and obvious aim and waits for the second,
and even the third. Dissimulation is intensified when its trick
has been detected and then endeavours to deceive by means of
truth itself: it alters its play by some new feint, and turns
simplicity into guile, basing its astuteness upon [a show of]
extreme candour. Observation comes along and, its perspicacity
seeing through the trick, unmasks the wolf in sheep's clothing;
it detects the purpose [and sees it] as the craftier the more
straight-forward it appears. In this way, the cunning of the Python
combats the candour of the searching beams of Apollo.
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
from the translation of Thomas G. Corvan (1964) - page 82,
Philosophical Library Inc, New York: Library of Congress Card Number: 64-14415
Watch with continued caution, those persons of pretense
who act by indirection instead of direction. They cannot
be trusted. Their approach is one of initial humility in
standing behind you, with an ultimate intent of
haughtiness in standing in front of you. They are specialists in
double-dealing and deceit.
Take care that the overly obsequious associates of today
do not become your obstinate opponents of tomorrow. It
would then be a case of monumentally misplaced trust.
The wise keep their attention and awareness always alert.
Many overlook, but the prudent do not pass over the
obvious question of the reasons "why" of another man's
conduct. Why the indirect road, when the direct is
available? What personal gain is at stake, at your expense?
In dealing with potential deceivers, it is well to utilize
your own combative cunning to pretend one thing, yet
intend another. If you levy on your lieutenants authority to
act in your behalf, remember the cardinal rule of Caesar -
make them understand, that you understand-that the
Rubicon is reached at the first taint of treachery.
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
translated (1966) by Lawrence C. Lockley ( The Science of Success and the Art of Prudence, University of Santa Clara Press, Copyright 1967)
Act as often on second impulse as you do on first. Man's life is a constant
warfare against the malice of men. True sagacity fights with the strategy of a
concealed purpose. It never performs that which is indicated. It aims, yes, but only
to deceive: it feints with dexterity, and strikes with
unexpected reality. It reveals a purpose to distrat an
antogaonist's attention, and then turns to conquer by the
unexpected. The penetrating intelligence of the prudent man
forsees these tactics on the part of his antagonist,
and lurks in ambush. He understands always his opponent
is likely to act contrary to appearances, thus, recognizing
every intention of deceit, watches for the second, or even
the third thrust. Wisdom pretends to be deceived by such an
artifice. And even when the antagonist makes an artifice
of no artifice, basing his strategy on complete candor, wisdom
increases its alertness and discovers the shadow in the
light, deciphering the intention - an intention the more
cunning because the more simple. Thus fortune apposes the
astuteness of Pittacus against the directness of the
penetrating rays of Apollo.
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian -
adapted from the translation (1991) of Christopher Maurer (The Art of Worldy Wisdom by Baltasar Gracian, from DoubleDay, ISBN: 0-385-42131-1; 1992)
13: "Act on the intentions of others: their ulterior and superior
motives. Man's life on earth is a militia against malicia, or malice.
Cunning arms itself with strategies of intention. It never does what it
indicates. It takes aim deceptively, feints nonchalantly in the air, and
delivers its blow, acting upon unforeseen reality with attentive
dissimulation. To win the attention and confidence of others, it hints
at its intention. But immediately it turns against that intention and
conquers through surprise. The penetrating intelligence heads off
cunning with close observation, ambushes it with caution, understands
the opposite of what cunning wanted it to understand, and immediately
false intentions. Intelligence allows the first intention to pass by,
and awaits the second one, and even the third. Simulation grows even
greater seeing that its guile has been penetrated, and tries to deceive
by telling the truth. Changing strategies, it beguiles us with its
apparent lack of guile. It bases its cunning on the greatest candor. But
observation comes forward, sees through all this, and discovers the
shadows that are cloaked in light. It deciphers intention, which is most
hidden when most simple. Thus does the cunning of Python struggle
against the candor of the penetrating rays of Apollo."
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian - from the book, "Practical
wisdom for perilous times : selected maxims of Baltasar Gracian" adapted and edited by
J. Leonard Kaye; Pocket Books; 1992, ISBN: 0-671-79659-3
(Lachlan's Note: J. Leonard Kaye's book states that its
"Alphorisms are adapted from A Truthtelling Manual and the Art of
Worldly Wisdom: Being a collection of the aphorisms which appear in the
works of Baltasar Gracian, immediately translated for the understanding
from a 1653 Spanish Text by Martin Fisher.)
Outwitted is outdone
"Watch him who conducts business in an
indirect manner. The obvious is never present as he attempts
to put you off guard so that he may steal from you.
Such a man conceals his intent only to attain it. His intent
lurks in the background in order to emerge casually when
the moment is propitious: it becomes a shot that reaches
its mark through its very carelessness. You are warned not to
be asleep when the other's intent is so awake! Note with
caution the craftiness, and recognize the pretexts that are
advanced for this purpose. Consider the circumstances and
know what you are conceding: take account of source
and qualify what you are granting. And in this mode allow
him to understand that you understand. For he who is outwitted is outdone."
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian - from the book, "The Manual of Prudence: 400 years of worldly wisdom"
translated by Juan de Aragon - language consultant: Judy Bar-on; Astrolog Publishing House; 2004, ISBN: 965-494-194-5
Achieve your goals along a serpentine course.
Objectives should be gone after at times directly and at
other times indirectly. Life is a battle of man against his
own animosity. In this struggle, clear thiking meets strategy and
contrivance. What seems to be obvious does not come to pass, as deception
is used. Plans are made by light, but the operations takes place in the dark
in order to mislead. The enemy should be allowed to see intention,
but this intention should then be changed in order to surprise him. Use
insight to see all sides, and be alert behind your defenses, seeing the obvious
as well as its opposite, and being cognizant of possible trickery. Insight
allows us to let the first revelation pass, while waiting for the
next, or the next. When deception masquerades as
truth and tries to turn back on itself in an effort to make
what is true seem the untrue, the greatest of frauds is
committed. By watching carefully using sharp wariness,
we can see clearly the true intent, and recognize the
strategic use of design and trickery. All is not as it seems!
Maxim/Aphorism No 13 by Baltasar Gracian - from "Oráculo Manual i Arte de Prudencia" translated by Professor Frank Pajares; 2005, (published on the web)
Reacting to intentions, sometimes second, and sometimes first.
Man's life is a militia against man's malice, and cunning succeeds
through strategic changes of intention. Cunning never does what it
shows, it takes aim, yes, but to deceive; gestures openly and
skillfully, but strikes in an unexpected direction, always ready to
conceal its true intention. Shows one intention to ensure attention,
then turns against that intention, winning with the unexpected. But a
penetrating and attentive intellect anticipates cunning, ambushes it
with caution, understand always the opposite of what cunning expected
it to understand, and recognizes quickly all efforts to deceive; it
lets pass all first intentions, and lies in wait for the second and even
the third. Cunning grows in deceit at seeing itself discovered, and
tries to deceive with truth itself: changes its game by changing its
trick, guiles by not guiling, founding deception in the greatest candor.
Observation sees through deceit and discovers the darkness cloaked in
the light; deciphers the intention, more devious when more simple.
In this manner the cunning of Python combats against the candor of the
penetrating rays of Apollo.
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