Famous quote by Baltasar Gracian

"Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself"

About this Quote

Baltasar Gracian's quote, "Let him that hath no power of perseverance retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself", talks to the notion of persistence as an essential, yet challenging, virtue. This statement invites self-questioning into the human condition's complexities and the internal fights individuals deal with in cultivating persistence.

At its core, the quote suggests that patience is not simply a social virtue however also a deeply personal difficulty. If someone does not have the capability to be patient, Gracian encourages retreating inward, suggesting that an introspective journey may be essential for personal development. This retreat is not always a withdrawal from the world; rather, it is a call to self-examination. In analyzing oneself, people might better comprehend their impatience's roots-- be it insecurity, worry, or unmet desires.

Nevertheless, Gracian stresses that even in solitude, one is confronted with the self. The expression "bore with himself" highlights this concept, meaning the idea that even in seclusion, one's flaws and weaknesses stay evident. There's an intrinsic paradox in the idea that escaping others doesn't equate to getting away one's own nature. Therefore, persistence needs to be established internally before it can manifest externally.

The quandary Gracian presents is that perseverance, typically evaluated by external circumstances, is fundamentally an internal task. It includes an approval of oneself, imperfections, and all, and needs a determination to face and stay with these uncomfortable realities.

Furthermore, Gracian's knowledge acknowledges that perseverance is a form of power. By stating "no power of persistence", the quote equates impatience with an absence of strength or control over one's psychological reactions. To develop such power, one need to face one's inner turmoil, learning to tolerate, comprehend, and ultimately master it. The journey within, though difficult, becomes a crucible for developing the virtue of perseverance, ultimately leading to a more harmonious existence both internally and with the world.

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About the Author

Spain Flag This quote is from Baltasar Gracian between January 8, 1601 and December 6, 1658. He/she was a famous Philosopher from Spain. The author also have 46 other quotes.
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