Know how to take a hint. It was once the art of arts to be able to discourse, now it is no longer sufficient. We must know how to take a hint, especially in disabusing ourselves. You cannot make yourself understood if you do not easily understand others. There are some how act like diciners of the heart and lynxes of intentions. The very truths that concern us most are only half spoken, but with attention we can grasp the whole meaning. When you hear anything favorable keep a tight rein on your credulity; if unfavorable, give it the spur.

THE ART OF WORLDLY WISDOM BY BALTHASAR GRACIAN
TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH JACOBS 1892