要有独到的见解，这是才智过人的标志。不要看重从不反驳我们的人，这并不表明他喜欢我们，只表示他爱的是自己。不要被别人的谄媚蒙蔽，并为之付出代价，相反，要谴责这种行为。另外，如果你被某人非难，尤其是他们总把好的说成坏的，你可将其视为对你的赞美。相反，如果我们做的事让所有人都高兴，我们应该感到不安，因为这说明我们做的事毫无意义。只有少数人才能做到完美。
original and out-of-the-way views are signs of superior ability. we do not think much of a man who never contradicts us: that is no sign he loves us, but rather that he loves himself. do not be deceived by flattery, and thereby have to pay for it; rather condemn it. besides you may take credit for being censured by some, especially if they are those of whom the good speak ill. on the contrary, it should disturb us if our affairs please everyone, for that is a sign that they are of little worth. perfection is for the few.
