《智慧书·第五辑·二〇一至二五〇》第19则
Do not pass for a Hypocrite, though such men are indispensable nowadays. Be considered rather prudent than astute. Sincerity in behaviour pleases all, though not all can show it in their own affairs. Sincerity should not degenerate into simplicity nor sagacity into cunning. Be rather respected as wise than feared as sly. The open-hearted are loved but deceived. The great art consists in disclosing what is thought to be deceit. In the golden age simplicity flourished, in these days of iron cunning. 'The reputation of being a man who knows what he has to do is honourable and inspires confidence, but to be considered a hypocrite is deceptive and arouses mistrust.
注释摘要
这则格言在开头处留下了一个引人注目的转折：葛拉西安先说伪君子“如今必不可少”，紧接着却说“不要被人当作伪君子”。这个转折并非修辞上的疏忽，而恰恰是他整则论述的逻辑起点。他承认在十七世纪的宫廷社会里，某种程度的伪装和保留几乎是生存条件，但他随即在“被人看作”这个层面画了一条清晰的界线。你可以运用算计与保留，但不可以让众人将你识别为一个伪善者。一旦获得这个名声…