Choose an occupation that wins distinction. Most things depend on the satisfaction of others. Esteem is to excellence what the west wind is to flowers: the breath of life. There are some occupations that gain universal esteem, while others more important are without credit. The former, pursued before the eyes of all, obtain the universal favor; the others, though they are rarer and more valuable, remain obscure and unperceived, honored but not applauded. Among princes, conquerors are the most celebrated, and therefore the kings of Aragon earned such applause as warriors, conquerors, and great people. An able person will prefer occupations of distinction, which all know of and utilize—he thus becomes immortalized by universal suffrage.

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