《智慧书·第四辑·一五一至二百》第5则
The Art of getting into a Passion. If possible, oppose vulgar importunity with prudent reflection; it will not be difficult for a really prudent man. The first step towards getting into a passion is to announce that you are in a passion. By this means you begin the conflict with command over your temper, for one has to regulate one's passion to the exact point that is necessary and no further. This is the art of arts in falling into and getting out of a rage. You should know how and when best to come to a stop: it is most difficult to halt while running at the double. It is a great proof of wisdom to remain clear-sighted during paroxysms of rage. Every excess of passion is a digression from rational conduct. But by this masterly policy reason will never be transgressed, nor pass the bounds of its own synteresis. To keep control of passion one must hold firm the reins of attention: he who can do so will be the first man "wise on horseback," and probably the last.
注释摘要
这一则的标题与正文第一句合在一起，道出了一个悖论式的命题：“发怒的艺术”。乍看之下，发怒与艺术、策略并置，已经令人意外；而他紧接着又说——如果可能的话，用审慎的反思去抵制庸俗的纠缠——仿佛在劝人根本不要动怒。这正是葛拉西安的典型笔法：先把门打开一条缝，让你以为他要讲克制，然后迅速转向一个更冷峻的内核：如果你非要发怒不可，那么你必须成为那个控制怒火的导演，而…