Recently, a friend gave me a rare book and I have been having the best time reading it. “The Art of Worldly Wisdom” by Baltasar Gracian was first published in 1637, and Gracian beautifully weaved maxims then that can still be applicable to practically everyone now — it’s scope includes how character can be built, intelligence, wisdom (yes, there’s a distinction between both), wit, cunning, sarcasm, business affairs, social roles, and life anecdotes in general.

Although the writing style has an Old English treatment feel to it, it is still a pretty captivating read because it resonates so much with practically all those who want to reassess their lives and life dealings so far — all with the end goal of seeking improvement in the long run.

One maxim that I particularly liked is this:

“Be slow and sure — because to last an eternity requires an eternity of preparation.”

The first time I read this, my mind went ‘whoza’ — it struck a chord that was fairly familiar; and the more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that this maxim was especially aimed at me. I remember my recent tragedy where, after having gone through the rigours of applying for my dream job, and after having successfully hurdled through all the initial recruitment obstacles, I failed after a congenital heart condition was discovered in my medical exams.

I was crushed — but perhaps this maxim is telling my heart that there are other opportunities for me that require a lifetime to prepare for, but they are also built to last an eternity. Applying for that job did not require much studying, hard work, focus, and determination (although trying to look good and appearing to be constantly congenial is taxing as it is), so going by that maxim, if it was given to me, it also could have easily been taken away from me.

So for now, I will stick to my plan B, which is my new plan A, and I wish too that I can still have the heart to  sustain myself in the new life path that I have chosen to tread.