《智慧书·第二辑·五一至一百》第48则
Write your Intentions in Cypher. The passions are the gates of the soul. The most practical knowledge consists in disguising them. He that plays with cards exposed runs a risk of losing the stakes. The reserve of caution should combat the curiosity of inquirers: adopt the policy of the cuttlefish. Do not even let your tastes be known, lest others utilise them either by running counter to them or by flattering them.
注释摘要
这则格言的标题与正文构成一个完整的推进：把自己的意图写成密码，也就是用旁人无法直接读解的方式行事。密码的比喻不是装饰，而是理解整则的核心：你不是不说话，而是说出来的话别人解不开。 激情是灵魂之门，这个说法在葛拉西安那里有确切的含义。他把 passions 理解为灵魂的体液（humours），人在情绪波动时，这些激情就会从门里透出来，让外面的人看清楚里面发生…