Joaquín Setantí y Alcina (c.1540–1617) was a Spanish philosopher, military officer, and writer known for his moral aphorisms and contributions to Tacitism, a political philosophy emphasizing pragmatism and realism in governance.
Born into a merchant family of Italian descent in Barcelona, Setantí pursued a military career, serving in the Tercios under the Duke of Alba in the Netherlands (1566–71.) Returning to Spain, King Philip II granted him the lordship of Bellaguarda. He later held municipal roles in Barcelona, including Conseller-en-cap (1592) and military administrator (1599–1601.)
Notable works include Frutos de historia (1590, Fruits of History,) a Tacitism monograph, and Centellas de varios conceptos y avisos de amigo (1614, Sparks of Various Concepts and Friendly Advice,) a collection of 700 aphorisms on politics and morality. The first 500, Centellas, focus on political philosophy, while the remaining 200, Avisos de amigo, are two-line moral reflections. His work influenced Baltasar Gracián and Spanish Baroque literature.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Joaquin Setanti
Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk.
—Joaquin Setanti
Topics: Risk, Action
Leave a Reply