《智慧书·第五辑·二〇一至二五〇》第45则
Original and out-of-the-way Views are signs of superior ability. We do not think much of a man who never contradicts us that is no sign he loves us, but rather that he loves himself. Do not be deceived by flattery, and thereby have to pay for it: rather condemn it. Besides you may take credit for being censured by some, especially if they are those of whom the good speak ill. On the contrary, it should disturb us if our affairs please every one, for that is a sign that they are of little worth. Perfection is for the few.
注释摘要
本则的标题与正文第一句话构成一个完整的论断：拥有“自己独有的、不随大流的看法”，是心智超出常人的标志。这里的“original and out-of-the-way”并非指怪诞或标新立异，而是指一个人对事物形成的是他自己的判断，不是从流行的意见里借来的。在葛拉西安的语境里，这首先是一种智识上的独立。十七世纪西班牙宫廷社会中，附和是一种生存习惯，而敢于说出不…