《智慧书·第三辑·一〇一至一五〇》第18则
Acquire the Reputation of Courtesy; for it is enough to make you liked. Politeness is the main ingredient of culture,—a kind of witchery that wins the regard of all as surely as discourtesy gains their disfavour and opposition; if this latter springs from pride, it is abominable; if from bad breeding, it is despicable. Better too much courtesy than too little, provided it be not the same for all, which degenerates into injustice. Between opponents it is especially due as a proof of valour. It costs little and helps much: every one is honoured who gives honour. Politeness and honour have this advantage, that they remain with him who displays them to others.
注释摘要
葛拉西安在这里谈论的礼貌，远不止于我们今天的客气或教养。他用了一个相当大胆的词来形容它：witchery，一种近乎巫术的征服人心的力量。这当然是他概念主义文风的典型产物，用一个强烈出人意表的意象把话说到极致。礼貌在他笔下是一种主动散发的东西，它施加在别人身上的效果几乎是不可抵抗的，就像失礼也必然招致厌恶和敌意那样确定不移。他不是在描述一种可有可无的社交润滑…