《道德情操论·卷六·论德性的品质·三·论自制》第5节
To act according to the dictates of prudence, of justice, and proper {214} beneficence, seems to have no great merit where there is no temptation to do otherwise. But to act with cool deliberation in the midst of the greatest dangers and difficulties; to observe religiously the sacred rules of justice in spite both of the greatest interests which might tempt, and the greatest injuries which might provoke us to violate them; never to suffer the benevolence of our temper to be damped or discouraged by the malignity and ingratitude of the individuals towards whom it may have been exercised; is the character of the most exalted wisdom and virtue. Self-command is not only itself a great virtue, but from it all the other virtues seem to derive their principal lustre.
注释摘要
这一段在论证自制对于道德品质的根本性意义。斯密在这里作了一个清晰的对比：在没有诱惑的情况下遵循明智、正义与合宜的仁爱，看起来并不特别值得称道。真正显出德性高度的，是人面对重大危险与困难时仍能冷静审慎地行动，在巨大的利益诱惑和严重的伤害挑衅面前依然严格恪守正义的规则，当施予仁爱的对象报以恶意与忘恩时，也绝不让自己的仁慈之心因此冷却或丧失勇气。这三项并列的考验…