Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Something to think about

No. 77

Know how to be all things to all men. A wise Proteus, he who is learned with the learned, and with the pious, pious: it is the great way of winning all to you: for to be like, is to be liked. Observe each man's spirit and adapt yourself: to the serious, or to the jovial, as the case may be, by following the fashion, through a politic change within yourself: a veritable necessity in those who are dependent. But this great rule of life calls for rich talent: being least difficult to that man of the world whose mind is filled with knowledge, and whose spirit is filled with tast

Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658)
The Art of Worldly Wisdom

Mr. Elliot was rational, discreet, polished--but he was not open. There was never any burst of feeling, any warmth of indignation or delight, at the evil or good of others. This, to Anne, was a decided imperfection. Her early impressions were incurable. She prized the frank, the open-hearted, the eager character beyond all others. Warmth and enthusiasm did captivate her still. She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped.

Mr. Elliot was too generally agreeable. Various as were the tempers in her father's house, he pleased them all. He endured too well, -- stood too well with everybody. He had spoken to her with some degree of openness of Mrs. Clay; had appeared completely to see what Mrs. Clay was about, and to hold her in contempt; and yet Mrs. Clay found him as agreeable as anybody

Jane Austen (1775-1817)
from Persuasion

Two different views here

If someone is "all things to all men," then what really is that person like? I guess we all play roles to a certain extent, to adjust ourselves somewhat according to the present situation, but someone who is "all things to all men" would not inspire trust in me. I think I should have to go along with Anne here.


  1. This is interesting.
    I should think for some time and write about it (though, who knows, in the end I may not). Still, it's interesting, and thought-provoking. Thanks for your post.

  2. Di,

    Yes, it is thought-provoking, isn't it? Isn't this what politicians try to do to be elected?

    If you do post on it, be sure to let me know. I'm interested in your thoughts on this issue.

    1. All right.
      Indeed, that's what politicians try to do, though, reading this post, I was mostly thinking about the popular people I know in life. Haha.

  3. Di,

    Yes, they are found everywhere, moving up the career track wherever they are.

  4. OK, here it is:

    1. Di,

      I like your breakdown. I think Austen's reference is clearly to No. 5, and while your No. 3,4, and 5 may be the one Gracian is referring to, I would think it more likely to be either 4 or 5.

    2. Perhaps.
      Jane Austen's so good at describing phonies. Haha.

    3. That she is and she makes them seem like such enjoyable people to be around.

    4. Some of them I suppose, but not Lucy Steele, no.

    5. I had forgotten about her. She's not very good at it, and only plays up to those whom she's trying to manipulate.