《智慧书·第六辑·二五一至三百》第17则
Silken Words, sugared Manners. Arrows pierce the body, insults the soul. Sweet pastry perfumes the breath. It is a great art in life to know how to sell wind. Most things are paid for in words, and by them you can remove impossibilities. Thus we deal in air, and a royal breath can produce courage and power. Always have your mouth full of sugar to sweeten your words, so that even your ill-wishers enjoy them. To please one must be peaceful.
注释摘要
葛拉西安这一则讲的是一个相当冷酷的语言政治学：言语不是用来表达内心，而是用来润滑关系、控制局面、换取利益的介质。标题与正文原是一体，“Silken Words, sugared Manners”点出两层东西：言辞的质地要像丝绸一样光滑，举止的包裹要像糖衣一样甜。两者合在一起，构成一种经过精心设计的外交式人格，它的目标不是真诚，而是有效。 开头两句比较直白—…