1. Everything is at its acme Everything is at its acme, especially the art of making one’s way in the world. There is more required nowadays to make a single wise man than formerly to make Seven Sages, and more is needed nowadays to deal with a single person than was required with a whole people in former times. 1. 万物已近极致 万物已近极致,为人处世的艺术更是如此。当今若想成就一位智者,花费的工夫比造就希腊七贤①还要多;现在要应付一个人,所需的智谋比从前应付整整一个民族还要多。 2. Character and intellect Character and intellect: the two poles of our capacity; one without the other is but halfway to happiness. Intellect does not suffice, character is also needed. On the other hand, it is the fool’s misfortune, to fail in obtaining the position, the employment, the neighbourhood, and the circle of friends that suit him. 2. 品性与智慧 品性与智慧,是组成人类才能的两个要素。要走向幸福生活,缺少哪一个都将半途而废。仅仅拥有智慧是不够的,还要有好的品性。蠢人的不幸,在于没有适合他的地位、职业、邻居与朋友圈子。 3. Keep matters for a time in suspense Keep matters for a time in suspense. Admiration at their novelty heightens the value of your achievements.It is both useless and insipid to play with the cards on the table. If you do not declare yourself immediately, you arouse expectation, especially when the importance of your position makes you the object of general attention. Mix a little mystery with everything, and the very mystery arouses veneration. And when you explain, be not too explicit, just as you do not expose your inmost thoughts in ordinary intercourse. Cautious silence is the holy of holies of worldly wisdom. A resolution declared is never highly thought of; it only leaves room for criticism. And if it happens to fail, you are doubly unfortunate. Besides you imitate the Divine way when you cause men to wonder and watch. 3. 做事时常留有悬念 做事时常留有悬念。若你的成功出人意料,则更能受到钦佩。任何事若昭然若揭,都会让人感到索然无味。若不急于公开自己所做之事,就会使人期待。若你地位显赫,将更能引人注目。将任何事都染上一层神秘的色彩,正是神秘引起尊崇。即便是阐明情况,也不要过于直白,就像在日常交往中不会暴露自己真实的想法一样。谨慎地保持沉默是世间智慧之精髓。公开声明的决心从不会获得高的评价,只给他人的品头论足留下口实。若所行之事恰巧以失败收场,你就会遭受双重的打击。若想引人惊奇与注意,就向那些缄默的神灵学习吧。 4. Knowledge and courage Knowledge and courage are the elements of Greatness. They give immortality, because they are immortal. Each is as much as he knows, and the wise can do anything. A man without knowledge, a world without light. Wisdom and strength, eyes and hands. Knowledge without courage is sterile. 4. 有识亦应有胆 有识亦应有胆,这是成为伟人的要素。知识与勇气是不朽的,同样可使人不朽。懂得多少,便有多伟大;若你学识渊博,则无事不可为。一个人无知,正如世界没有光明。智慧与力量,就像双眼与双手。有识无胆者亦无所成。