Many people spend time studying the properties of animals or herbs; how much more important it would be to study those of people, with whom we must l… - Baltasar Gracián

41 Never exaggerate. It isn’t wise to use superlatives. They offend the truth and cast doubt on your judgment. By exaggerating, you squander your praise and reveal a lack of knowledge and taste. Praise awakens curiosity, which begets desire, and later, when the goods seem overpriced, as often happens, expectation feels cheated and avenges itself by running down the praised and the praiser. The prudent show restraint, and would rather fall short than long. True eminences are rare, so temper your esteem. To overvalue something is a form of lying. It can ruin your reputation for good taste, and — even worse — for wisdom.

Be first the master of yourself

Cunning grows in deceit at seeing itself discovered, and tries to deceive with truth itself.