《智慧书·第二辑·五一至一百》第29则
A Genial Disposition. If with moderation 'tis an accomplishment, not a defect. A grain of gaiety seasons all. The greatest men join in the fun at times, and it makes them liked by all. But they should always on such occasions preserve their dignity, nor go beyond the bounds of decorum. Others, again, get themselves out of difficulty quickest by a joke. For there are things you must take in fun, though others perhaps mean them in earnest. You show a sense of placability, which acts as a magnet on all hearts.
注释摘要
这一则的西班牙文标题是“Genio apacible”，“genio”在这里指的并不是天才或智力，而是人的天然性情、禀赋。葛拉西安用“apacible”来修饰它，意思是温和、平和、令人愉快。英文译作“A Genial Disposition”，译得大体准确。这则格言讲的并不是劝人做老好人，而是在讲一种有分寸的愉悦气质到底有什么用、怎么用。 开头一句话就把整…