170.凡事有所保留

170.凡事有所保留

凡事有所保留,此法能确保你在他人心中的重要性。任何时候,你都不能一下子用尽你所有的才能和力量。即便是知识,也当留个后卫,有所隐藏。这样,你的才智就等于翻了一倍。对失败产生恐惧之时,你必须总能有所依靠。后备军往往比突击队更重要——他们的英勇和荣誉更值得褒奖。谨慎的人总是走得很稳。从这点上看,有一个尖锐的悖论说得好:一半多于全部。

170.In all things keep something in reserve

In all things keep something in reserve. It is a sure means of keeping up your importance. A man should not employ all his capacity and power at once and on every occasion. Even in knowledge there should be a rearguard, so that your resources are doubled. One must always have something to resort to when there is fear of a defeat. The reserve is of more importance than the attacking force, for it is distinguished for valour and reputation. Prudence always sets to work with assurance of safety, in this matter the piquant paradox holds good that the half is more than the whole.