雙語智慧書·掌控激情的藝術(shù)

155．掌控激情的藝術(shù)
　　掌控激情的藝術(shù)。若有可能，就讓審慎深思來對抗低俗沖動，謹(jǐn)慎之人不難做到這點(diǎn)。意識到自己處于激情是掌控激情的第一步。這樣，你就開始了控制自我情緒的斗爭，你必須恰當(dāng)?shù)卣{(diào)節(jié)自己的激情--令其既有必要，又不過分。這是發(fā)怒而又止怒之關(guān)鍵技巧。你應(yīng)該知道何時、如何止住它為最好，疾步狂奔之時是最難停下來的，同理，盛怒之際還能保持頭腦清醒，這最能證明你的明智。每次過分激動都是對理性的背棄。但是，通過靈活的駕馭，理性永遠(yuǎn)不會被逾越，也不會超過自身防范的界限。為了駕馭激情，你必須抓牢注意力之韁繩。誰能做到這一點(diǎn)，誰就是騎在馬背上的第一個智者(1)，也許還是最后一個。


155．The art of mastering your passions
　The art of mastering your passions. If possible, oppose vulgar importunity with prudent reflection; it will not be difficult for a really prudent man. The first step towards mastering a passion is to perceive that you are in a passion. By this means you begin the conflict with command over your temper, for one has to regulate one's passion to the exact point that is necessary and no further. This is the art of arts in falling into and getting out of a rage. You should know how and when best to come to a stop: it is most difficult to halt while running at the double. It is a great proof of wisdom to remain clear-sighted during paroxysms of rage. Every excess of passion is a digression from rational conduct. But by this masterly policy reason will never be transgressed, nor pass the bounds of its own prophylaxis. To keep control of passion one must hold firm the reins of attention: he who can do so will be the first man "wise on horseback," and probably the last.
　　
(1) 西班牙有諺語稱"馬背上無智者"。