《智慧书·第二辑·五一至一百》第30则
Take care to get Information. We live by information, not by sight. We exist by faith in others. The ear is the area-gate of truth but the front-door of lies. The truth is generally seen, rarely heard; seldom she comes in elemental purity, especially from afar; there is always some admixture of the moods of those through whom she has passed. The passions tinge her with their colours wherever they touch her, sometimes favourably, sometimes the reverse. She always brings out the disposition, therefore receive her with caution from him that praises, with more caution from him that blames. Pay attention to the intention of the speaker; you should know beforehand on what footing he comes. Let reflection assay falsity and exaggeration.
注释摘要
葛拉西安在这则格言里讲了一个他反复琢磨的悖论。人以为自己是靠眼睛生活的，其实不是，是靠着从别人那里听来的信息活着的。他说：我们靠信息度日，而非靠亲眼所见；我们存在于对他人的信任之上。这几乎是他全书最透彻的认知论命题之一——不是在讲知识论，而是在讲社会生活里的认知处境。你一人的生活半径极窄，绝大部分关于他人、关于局势、关于机遇甚至危险的判断，都只能来自他人的…