《智慧书·第五辑·二〇一至二五〇》第22则
Reserve is proof of Prudence. The tongue is a wild beast; once let loose it is difficult to chain. It is the pulse of the soul by which wise men judge of its health: by this pulse a careful observer feels every movement of the heart. The worst is that he who should be most reserved is the least. The sage saves himself from worries and embarrassments, and shows his mastery over himself. He goes his way carefully, a Janus for impartiality, an Argus for watchfulness. Truly Momus had better placed the eyes in the hand than the window in the breast.
注释摘要
这则格言的标题与正文第一句构成一个紧凑的断言：缄默是审慎的证明。在葛拉西安笔下，审慎并非胆怯或含糊，而是一种积极的主宰自我的能力。一个人能否管住舌头，直接标示他能否管住自己的人生。他将舌头比作野兽，这既是修辞上的概念主义浓缩，也指向一个古老传统：从《雅各书》里舌头的火，到塞内卡一再警告的多言招祸，言与行的不对等始终是道德哲学的核心关切。葛拉西安没有在此展开…