282.不现身,从而使自己更受敬重

282.不现身,从而使自己更受敬重

不现身,从而使自己更受敬重。惯常的现身会有损威名,缺席却会增加声望。有的人在不露面的时候被人认成是狮子,可一现身,就被视为山里出产的可笑之物。天才会因其滥用而失去光彩,因为人们更容易注意其外壳,而不是内在精髓。相比视力,想象力所及更远。错觉通常产生于耳朵,眼睛则使人醒悟。保持舆论关注之人才能保持名声。即使是不死鸟,也很少现形,从而更新自己的装饰物,并通过自身的退隐而引起人们的渴望。

282.Make use of absence to make yourself more esteemed or valued

Make use of absence to make yourself more esteemed or valued. If the accustomed presence diminishes fame, absence augments it. One that is regarded as a lion in his absence may be laughed at when present as the ridiculous result of the parturition of the mountains. Talents get soiled by use, for it is easier to see the exterior rind than the kernel of greatness it encloses. Imagination reaches farther than sight, and disillusion, which ordinarily comes through the ears, also goes out through the eyes. He keeps his fame that keeps himself in the centre of public opinion. Even the Phoenix uses its retirement for new adornment and turns absence into desire.