《智慧书·第一辑·一至五十》第16则
Knowledge and Good Intentions together ensure continuance of success. A fine intellect wedded to a wicked will was always an unnatural monster. A wicked will envenoms all excellences: helped by knowledge it only ruins with greater subtlety. Tis a miserable superiority that only results in ruin. Knowledge without sense is double folly.
注释摘要
这一则的标题与正文构成同一句话的两片扇叶：Knowledge and Good Intentions 是合页，两扇打开后露出一个尖锐的判断——没有善良意志的才智是不自然的怪物（an unnatural monster）。葛拉西安在这里用的不是宗教诫命式的道德说教，而是一个几乎带生理不适感的比喻：fine intellect 配上 wicked will，就…