292.让你自身的素质超过职责的要求
让你自身的素质超过职责的要求,而不是相反。不管职位多高,你本身的素质都应更高。随着职位的升高,广博的才能随之越来越得到拓展。与之相反,气量狭小之人容易失去信心,并因为职责减小、名望减损而陷入悲伤之中。伟大的奥古斯都(1)更为看重的不是成为高贵的君主,而是成为一个伟大的人。高级的头脑能在此找到适当的位置,有充分根据的自信能在此找到恰当的机会。
292.Let your personal qualities surpass those of your office
Let your personal qualities surpass those of your office, do not let it be the other way about. However high the post, the person should be higher. An extensive capacity expands and dilates more and more as his office becomes higher. On the other hand, the narrow-minded will easily lose heart and come to grief with diminished responsibilities and reputation. The great Augustus thought more of being a great man than a great prince. Here a lofty mind finds fit place, and well-grounded confidence finds its opportunity.
(1) 罗马帝国第一任皇帝,恺撒的甥孙及养子。当政时扩张疆土,美化罗马,招纳学者,并奠定了长达两个世纪的“罗马式和平”。