《智慧书·第四辑·一五一至二百》第14则
Throw Straws in the Air, to find how things will be received, especially those whose reception or success is doubtful. One can thus be assured of its turning out well, and an opportunity is afforded for going on in earnest or withdrawing entirely. By trying men's intentions in this way, the wise man knows on what ground he stands. This is the great rule of foresight in asking, in desiring, and in ruling.
注释摘要
“往空中扔稻草”这个比方，在今天听来已经有点隔膜了。葛拉西安用的是农业社会里一个很直观的经验：在户外想知道风往哪边吹、风力多大，抓起一小把干草或者碎屑抛起来，看它飘向何方，就能判断。它的转义就是投石问路——在事情本身正式启动之前，先放出一个微弱的试探信号，来探测对方的反应和局势的走向。 这一则被批上“侦查之道”的标题，有点窄化了原文的层次。原文说的不单是刺…