96.至高无上的辨别力

96.至高无上的辨别力

至高无上的辨别力。它是理智的宝座,是审慎的基石。有了它,你只需付出少许便能获得成功。它是上帝赐予人类的礼物,应该当作人生居于首位的、最优秀的素质而来求取,它是我们的甲胄之要件。它如此重要,没有它,我们就是有缺陷的人——而别的素质不过是多点少点的问题。生活中的一切行为都有赖于它作决定,都需要它的帮助。因为无论做什么事都需要智力。辨别力天生便倾向于最理性的路线,且融合了对最确切事物的喜爱。

96.The highest discretion

The highest discretion. It is the throne of reason, the foundation of prudence: by its means success is gained at little cost. It is a gift from above, and should be prayed for as the first and best quality. It is the main piece of the panoply, and so important that its absence makes a man imperfect, whereas with other qualities it is merely a question of more or less. All the actions of life depend on its application; all require its assistance, for everything needs intelligence. Discretion consists in a natural tendency to the most rational course, combined with a liking for the surest.