《智慧书·第四辑·一五一至二百》第20则
In all Things keep Something in Reserve. 'Tis a sure means of keeping up your importance. A man should not employ all his capacity and power at once and on every occasion. Even in knowledge there should be a rearguard, so that your resources are doubled. One must always have something to resort to when there is fear of a defeat. The reserve is of more importance than the attacking force: for it is distinguished for valour and reputation. Prudence always sets to work with assurance of safety: in this matter the piquant paradox holds good that the half is more than the whole.
注释摘要
这则格言把标题和正文连起来读，意思就完整了：在所有事情上都要留一手，这是保持你分量的稳妥办法。一个人不该在任何场合都把全部才能和力气一下子用尽。葛拉西安用的是一句军事比喻——即使在知识上也要留有后卫部队，这样你的资本才会翻倍。必须始终保留一点东西，以便在担心失败时可以倚仗。后备力量比进攻力量更重要，因为它以勇武与名望著称。审慎的人做事总是先确保安全；这件事…