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Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #161: Know Your Pet Faults[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.]
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #161: Know Your Pet Faults.
The most perfect of men has them, and is either wedded to them or has illicit relations with them. They are often faults of intellect, and the greater this is, the greater they are, or at least the more conspicuous. It is not so much that their possessor does not know them: he loves them, which is a double evil: irrational affection for avoidable faults. They are spots on perfection; they displease the onlooker as much as they please the possessor. ’Tis a gallant thing to get clear of them, and so give play to one's other qualities. For all men hit upon such a failing, and on going over your qualifications they make a long stay at this blot, and blacken it as deeply as possible in order to cast your other talents into the shade.
My interpretation: some faults become so comfortable and give such pleasure that they almost feel like virtues. Gossip is a common one; it can give you a satisfying sense of superiority to those you tear down. Ask yourself, "What is my comfortable weakness?"
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #161: Know Your Pet Faults.
The most perfect of men has them, and is either wedded to them or has illicit relations with them. They are often faults of intellect, and the greater this is, the greater they are, or at least the more conspicuous. It is not so much that their possessor does not know them: he loves them, which is a double evil: irrational affection for avoidable faults. They are spots on perfection; they displease the onlooker as much as they please the possessor. ’Tis a gallant thing to get clear of them, and so give play to one's other qualities. For all men hit upon such a failing, and on going over your qualifications they make a long stay at this blot, and blacken it as deeply as possible in order to cast your other talents into the shade.
My interpretation: some faults become so comfortable and give such pleasure that they almost feel like virtues. Gossip is a common one; it can give you a satisfying sense of superiority to those you tear down. Ask yourself, "What is my comfortable weakness?"
This aphorism may seem to be at conflict with another one from Gracian, which cautions people against being perfect because it will annoy onlookers and cause them to dislike you for your virtues; some people will experience them as a reproach. In that bit of advice, Gracian suggests cultivating a flaw to deflect the criticism and to make you appear more 'human'. I don't think the two aphorisms are at odds, however. The reason: you do not love a cultivated flaw the way you might love one that feels natural and occurs naturally. At worst, you may see the flaw as a harmless or necessary evil; for example, lying to avoid conflict. As often as not, the person will defend the flaw even to himself with rationalizations like "I deserve to pamper myself" or "everyone does it." This is the "illicit relationship" with the flaw of which Gracian writes.
The habit may be reinforced by people's reactions to it; for example, they might listen intently to gossip or provide their own juicy tidbits in return...but they will not respect the gossiper in his absence. And the spreading of rumors -- or, even worse, the spreading of damning truths -- is a dangerous pursuit that is bound to backfire sooner or later. Probably sooner. Be aware of your comfortable flaws and control them before they control you.
The habit may be reinforced by people's reactions to it; for example, they might listen intently to gossip or provide their own juicy tidbits in return...but they will not respect the gossiper in his absence. And the spreading of rumors -- or, even worse, the spreading of damning truths -- is a dangerous pursuit that is bound to backfire sooner or later. Probably sooner. Be aware of your comfortable flaws and control them before they control you.
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