Baltasar Gracian was a Spanish Jesuit priest born in 1601, and was a recognized and sometimes controversial writer and clergyman during his lifetime. Gracian penetrating mind offers 300 short paragraphs of insights, reflections, and advice that would best be described as practical, straight forward, and bold. His deep understanding of human nature and his innate wisdom impelled Gracian to write not only to help people find the success they desired, but to transform people into better human beings.