184．不要过分拘礼

不要过分拘礼。就算是国王，这种装模作样会带来怪癖之名声。拘泥于细节往往令人讨厌，而有的国家全国上下都有这一怪毛病。繁文缛节织就了蠢人的衣服，他们顶礼膜拜的是自己的尊严，但事实表明他们根本不够格，因为他们害怕最细微的小事就能摧毁他们的尊严。要求别人尊重自己，这没错，但别把自己弄得像个仪式的司仪。当然，如果想要不凭仪式就做成某件事，一定要有超凡的品质。人不应装模作样，也不应该轻视礼节——在这种小事上显得了不起的人并非伟人。

184．Do not be ceremonious

Do not be ceremonious. Even in a king affectation in this was renowned for its eccentricity. To be punctilious is to be a bore, yet whole nations have this peculiarity. The garb of folly is woven out of such things. Such folk are worshippers of their own dignity, yet show how little it is justified since they fear that the least thing can destroy it. It is right to demand respect, but not to be considered a master of ceremonies. Yet it is true that a man to do without ceremonies must possess supreme qualities. Neither affect nor despise etiquette: he cannot be great who is great at such little things.