Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies.
Gracián spots something we usually miss: opposition doesn't merely test our greatness—it *constructs* it. Most assume enemies are obstacles to overcome before we achieve something meaningful, but he suggests the antagonism itself is the forge. Consider how a journalist's reputation for rigor often crystallizes only through her battles with powerful institutions that tried to discredit her; without those adversaries actively working against her, her competence might have remained local, unproven, invisible. The uncomfortable truth is that our finest qualities often need resistance to be recognized as anything more than private virtues.
“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.”
Tony Hsieh“It's not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
Seneca“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
Ayn Rand“Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they...”
Will Rogers