《智慧书·第二辑·五一至一百》第36则
Prevent Scandal. Many heads go to make the mob, and in each of them are eyes for malice to use and a tongue for detraction to wag. If a single ill report spread, it casts a blemish on your fair fame, and if it clings to you with a nickname, your reputation is in danger. Generally it is some salient defect or ridiculous trait that gives rise to the rumours. At times these are malicious additions of private envy to general distrust. For there are wicked tongues that ruin a great reputation more easily by a witty sneer than by a direct accusation. It is easy to get into bad repute, because it is easy to believe evil of any one: it is not easy to clear yourself. The wise accordingly avoid these mischances, guarding against vulgar scandal with sedulous vigilance. It is far easier to prevent than to rectify.
注释摘要
这则格言的标题与正文共同构成一个完整的劝诫：要在丑闻尚未成形之前就阻断它。西班牙文原题“Prevenir el escándono”里的prevenir，在葛拉西安笔下同时兼有“预见”与“预防”两层意思，而escándono——我们今天译成丑闻或非议——在那时更接近于“足以使人跌倒的绊脚石”，不只是道德上的污点，更是名誉体系里的一处致命缺口。整段话的逻辑相…