《智慧书·第五辑·二〇一至二五〇》第46则
Never offer Satisfaction unless it is demanded. And if they do demand it, it is a kind of crime to give more than necessary. To excuse oneself before there is occasion is to accuse oneself. To draw blood in full health gives the hint to ill-will. An excuse unexpected arouses suspicion from its slumbers. Nor need a shrewd person show himself aware of another's suspicion, which is equivalent to seeking out offence. He had best disarm distrust by the integrity of his conduct.
注释摘要
这一则的标题与正文共同构成一句完整的话：永远不要主动提供满足，除非别人明确要求；即使要求了，给出超出必要的满足也近乎一种罪过。需要先厘清这里“satisfaction”的确切含义。在十七世纪西班牙宫廷与荣誉文化中，这个词并非泛指心理上的满意，而是指向一种社会性的偿还行为：当一个人被认为冒犯了他人、造成了某种损失或名誉上的瑕疵时，他需要做出相应的补偿、道歉或…