Reviews

How To Use Your Enemies by Baltasar Gracián

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joyceontheroad's review

2.0

I did not like this. As it states how to live, it is occasionally superficial, manipulative or out of date. I am aware that this was written in another day and age, yet I expected a bit more wisdom.

alanffm's review

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5.0

A phenomenal book that is full of very tangible wisdom. Easy to read. Worth meditating on.

kai____69's review

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.25

"In these witty, Machiavellian aphorisms, unlikely Spanish priest Baltasar Gracián shows us how to exploit friends and enemies alike to thrive in a world of deception and illusion."

On those days I was ready this in public commute, people would look at me like I'm a fucking asshole of a person, I mean, How to Use Your Enemies, right? But all I got from this is how to laugh shit off! I think it's humorous and for a person who doesn't give a shit most of the time, I consider this as positive and a new way on how to look at life! Why so negative, people? Embrace the darkness and be free!

samsnerdcorner's review

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if you are into sigma male/business bro motivational quotes then this is the book for you. i've decided i've got the gist after 24 pages and didn't need more of this.... advice.

smitchy's review

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5.0

Good (mostly) relevant advice for any age and as relevant today as it was when written

hades9stages's review

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2.0

I did not like this. Baltasar Gracián, a Spanish Jesuit and philosopher, was known for his works on ethics, wisdom, and practical advice. His most famous book, The Art of Worldly Wisdom, is a collection of maxims and reflections on how to navigate social life, conduct oneself with wisdom, and achieve success in various spheres.

His teachings lean toward strategies that prioritise personal success over ethical considerations. I can not stand this. Gracián's focus on worldly success and strategic thinking is cynical, advocating for manipulation and opportunism in social interactions. Emphasis on pragmatic approaches to life lack any ethical foundation or love.

jademgreen's review

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This book was WILD. 75% basically a manual on how to be a manipulative Tory, the other 25% how to be a decent human and enjoy life.

No idea how to rate it. I was equally disgusted and bewildered. I also found the lack of empathy almost psychotic.

It's absurd to me that people may be going through life using interactions as transactions only. It's unimaginable and exhausting thinking about the energy needed to put up such a facade.

Go in supporting the other person's interests do as to come out achieving your own. This is a strategy for achieving what you want. Even in matters concerning heaven, Christian teachers recommended such holy astuteness. It's an important kind of dissimulation, because the perceived benefit is just bait to catch another's will. They'll think you are furthering their own aims, but this will be no more than a means of furthering your own.

This quote was especially eye opening - this is written by a 17th century Catholic preacher. Just shows how manipulative religion is.

There were some kinda nice takes though:

A day without an argument leads to a sleep-filled life. To live a lot and to enjoy life is to live life twice: this is the fruit of peace. A person has everything who cares nothing about what matters little. There is no greater absurdity than taking everything seriously.

Be free in spirit, passionate about all that's fine, and never sin against your own good taste.

Dare to dazzle anew, rising repeatedly like the sun, shining in different fields.