《智慧书·第五辑·二〇一至二五〇》第49则
Never begin Life with what should end it. Many take their amusement at the beginning, putting off anxiety to the end; but the essential should come first and accessories afterwards if there is room. Others wish to triumph before they have fought. Others again begin with learning things of little consequence and leave studies that would bring them fame and gain to the end of life. Another is just about to make his fortune when he disappears from the scene. Method is essential for knowledge and for life.
注释摘要
这则格言的标题本身就是一个浓缩的警句：切莫以当用于生命终点之物来开启生命。什么应该在终点享用？休闲、享乐、安歇、荣耀的果实。而在开头应该做什么？劳作、学习、积累、奠定基础。这个次序一颠倒，整个人生的结构就垮了。葛拉西安举出的几种错位，表面看是不同类型的人，骨子里是同一种病：手段与目的在时间上的错置。 他先指出最常见的一种：把娱乐放在开头，把焦虑推到末尾。这…