168．不要沦为愚蠢的怪物

不要沦为愚蠢的怪物。虚荣、专横、自我、言而无信、反复无常、顽固不化、不切实际、装模作样、异想天开、多管闲事、自相矛盾、拉帮结派以及所有偏执的人，都是鲁莽的怪物。精神畸形比身体残缺更令人讨厌，因为它与更高层次的美相抵触。可谁能救助这种已经彻底混乱了的心智呢？如果缺乏自控，必不能容纳他人之指导。这种人不在意人们真正的嘲笑，反而毫无根据地把它想象成他人的喝彩，以此来蒙骗自己。

168．Do not indulge in the eccentricities of folly

Do not indulge in the eccentricities of folly. Like vain, presumptuous, egotistical, untrustworthy, capricious, obstinate, fanciful, theatrical, whimsical, inquisitive, paradoxical, sectarian people and all kinds of one-sided persons: they are all monstrosities of impertinence. All deformity of mind is more obnoxious than that of the body, because it contravenes a higher beauty. Yet who can assist such a complete confusion of mind? Where self-control is wanting, there is no room for others' guidance. Instead of paying attention to other people's real derision, men of this kind blind themselves with the unfounded assumption of their imaginary applause.