《道德情操论·卷一·论行为的合宜性·二之三·论不友好的情感》第2节
These passions, however, are regarded as necessary parts of the character of human nature. A person becomes contemptible who tamely sits still, and submits to insults, without attempting either to repel or to revenge them. We cannot enter into his indifference and insensibility: we call his behaviour mean-spiritedness, and are as really provoked by it as by the insolence of his adversary. Even the mob are enraged to see any man submit patiently to affronts and ill usage. They desire to see this insolence resented, and resented by the person who suffers from it. They cry to him with fury, to defend or to revenge himself. If his indignation rouses at last, they heartily applaud, and sympathize with it. It enlivens their own indignation against his enemy, whom they rejoice to see him attack in turn, and are as really gratified by his revenge, provided it is not immoderate, as if the injury had been done to themselves.
注释摘要
斯密在此处处理的是一个潜在的矛盾：他刚说完仇恨与愤怒这类情感本身就令人不悦，那么社会为什么仍然赞许一个人在受到侮辱时表达愤怒呢？这一段正是对这个张力的直接回答。他不是在鼓吹复仇，而是在分析一种社会心理的事实：旁观者并不总是希望受害者隐忍。当一个人遭受公然侮辱却毫无反应时，旁观者不会赞美他的克制；相反，他们会看不起他。 要理解其中的逻辑，必须回到斯密对同情这…