249．人生不要本末倒置

人生不要本末倒置。许多人先行乐，把忧虑抛在身后。但是，你应该知道，应先做重要的事，以后有空时再做次要的事。有些人还没有战斗就想庆祝胜利。有的人先学不重要的东西，却把能带来名誉和成就的知识留在生命的最后。还有的人到了晚年才想去发财。求知也好，生活也罢，方法都是最重要的。

249．Never begin life with what should end it

Never begin life with what should end it. Many take their amusement at the beginning, putting off anxiety to the end; but the essential should come first and accessories afterwards if there is room. Others wish to triumph before they have fought. Others again begin with learning things of little consequence and leave studies that would bring them fame and gain to the end of life. Another is just about to make his fortune when he disappears from the scene. Method is essential for knowledge and for life.