培根經典哲理散文
弗朗西斯·培根是英國文藝復興時期最重要的散文家、哲學家。他不但在文學、哲學上多有建樹，在自然科學領域裏，也取得了重大成就。他的第一部重要著作《隨筆》最初發表於1597年，以後又逐年增補。該書文筆言簡意賅、智睿奪目，它包含許多洞察秋毫的經驗之談，其中不僅論及政治而且還探討許多人生哲理。下面本站小編爲大家帶來培根經典哲理散文，希望大家喜歡!
培根經典哲理散文：論諫議
The greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving counsel. For in other confidences, men commit the parts of life; their lands, their goods, their children, their credit, some particular affair, but to such as they make their counsellors they commit the whole: by how much the more, they are obliged to all faith and integrity.
人與人之間最大的信任就是關於進言的信任。因爲在別的信託之中人們不過是把生活底一部分委託於人，如田地、產業、子女、信用，某項個別事務是也;但是對那些他們認爲是言官或諍友的人，他們是把生活底全部都委託了;由此可見這些有言責的人是更應當如何嚴守信實與堅貞也。
The wisest princes need not think it any diminution to their greatness, or derogation to their sufficiency, to rely upon counsel. God himself is not without: but hath made it one of the great names of his blessed son; the counsellor. Solomon hath pronounced, that in counsel is stability. Things will have their first or second agitation; if they be not tossed upon the arguments of counsel they will be tossed upon the waves of fortune; and be full of inconstancy, doing, and undoing, like the reeling of a drunken man. Solomon's son found the force of counsel as his father saw the necessity of it
人君中極聰明者也不必以爲藉助於言論就有損於他們底偉大或有傷於他們底能名。連上帝自己也是不能少它的，他並且把進言這件事定爲他底聖嗣底尊號之一：就是“進言者”或“規勸者”。所羅門曾經說過：“安全是在忠言之中的”。凡事必有初動與次動;若不在言論底辯駁上顛簸，必將在幸運底波濤上顛簸，並且要有始無終，成敗不定，好象一個醉人底蹣跚一樣。所羅門底兒子發見了言論底力量，就如同他父親發見了言論底必要一樣。
For the beloved kingdom of God was first rent and broken by ill counsel; upon which counsel there are set, for our instruction, the two marks, whereby bad counsel is for ever best discerned: that it was young counsel for the persons;and violent counsel for the matter.
因爲上帝所最寵愛的那個國家是最先由邪說分裂破壞的;這邪說有兩個特點，這兩個特點可說是天意特賦予它，以教訓世人如何可以永遠看出邪惡的言論來的;就是，這種言論，在人底方面，是年青人底言論;在事底方面，是主張暴力的言論。
The ancient times do set forth in figure both the incorporation and inseparable conjunction of counsel with kings; and the wise and politic use of counsel by kings: the one, in that they say, Jupiter did many Metis, which signifieth counsel: whereby they intend, that sovereignty is married to counsel: the other, in that which followeth, which was thus: they say after Jupiter was married to Metis, she conceived by him, and was with child; but Jupiter suffered her not to stay till she brought forth, but ate her up; whereby he became himself with child, and was delivered of Pallas armed, out of his head. Which monstrous fable contained! a secret of empire; how kings are to make use of their counsel of state.
帝王與言論之一體相關而不可分離以及帝王當如何善用言論之道，這二者都由古人以譬喻說出了。其一，古人說久闢特曾娶米娣司，這位米娣司就是言論，古人借這個寓言表示君權是與言論一體的。其二就是這故事底下文，古人說久闢特娶了米娣司之後，她懷了孕。但是久闢特不肯讓她等到生產的時候，反之，他把她吞入腹內，因此他自己竟懷孕在身，後來就由頭中產生了全身披掛的帕拉斯。這個荒.唐的故事暗寓君道底祕密;是說人君應當如何利用朝議的。
That first, they ought to refer matters unto them, which is the first begetting or impregnation; but when they are elaborate, moulded, and shaped, in the womb of their counsel, and grow ripe, and ready to be brought forth; that then, they suffer not their counsel to go through with the resolution, and direction, as if it depended on them; but take the matter back into their own hands, and make it appear to the world, that the decrees, and final directions (which, because they come forth with prudence, and power, are resembled to Pallas armed) proceeded from themselves: and not only from their authority, but (the more to add reputation to themselves) from their head, and device.
第一，爲帝王者應當把事務交付朝議，這就好象授胎使孕一樣;但是當這些事務在議論底腹中已受?營，捏搓，造形之後，那時爲帝王者就不讓朝議去決斷並支配這些事務，好象非仗着他們不可似的;反之，卻要把事務拿回到自己底手裏，並且要使世人看來那號令及最後的決斷(這些號令及決斷，因爲它們發出的時候是審慎而且有力的，因此就可譬全副武裝的帕拉斯)是從他們自己出的，並且不僅是從他們底威權，而且是從他們底腦筋及智謀而來的(這樣就更可以增加他們自己底名望了)。
Let us now speak of the inconveniences of counsel, and of the remedies. The inconveniences, that have been noted in calling and using counsel, are three.
現在且一談言論底害處及其救濟之道。求言與用言底害處其?人見及者有三。
First, the revealing of affairs, whereby they become less secret Secondly, the weakening of the authority of princes, as if they were less of themselves. Thirdly, the danger of being unfaithfully counselled, and more for me good of them that counsel, than of him that is counselled. For which inconveniences, the doctrine of Italy, and practice of France, in some kings' times, haul introduced cabinet counsels; a remedy worse then the disease.
第一，事務爲人所知，機密於是不固。第二，人君之威權減弱，好象他們作事不能全仗自己似的。第三是奸言底危險，所說的話於進言者比納言者更爲有利。因爲這三種害處，所以意大利底理論和法蘭西底實行(在某幾位君王底時代)曾創密議或“內閣會議”之制;這是一種比疾病本身更壞的治療術。
As to secrecy; princes are not bound to communicate all matters with all counsellors; but may extract and select Neither is it necessary, that he that consulteth what he should do, should declare what he will do. But let princes beware, that the unsecreting of their affairs comes not from themselves. And as for cabinet counsels, it may be their motto; plows rimarum sum: one futile person, that maketh it his glory to tell, will do more hurt than many, that know it their duty to conceal. It is true, there be some affairs, which require extreme secrecy, which will hardly go beyond one or two persons, besides the king: neither are those counsels unprosperous: for besides the secrecy, they commonly go on constantly in one spirit of direction, without distraction.
說到祕密，爲人君者不必一定要把所有的事情通知所有的言事之臣;反之，他是可以選擇的。並且，那問人他應當怎樣辦的人也不一定要宣佈他將要怎麼辦。然而爲人君者卻須提防，不可使事機底泄露，出自他們本身。至於那些祕密會議，下面這句話可爲它們底座右銘，就是“我滿是漏洞”(Plenusrimarumsum)。一個喋喋多言，以告人祕密爲榮的人，其爲害之烈，雖有許多懂得保密的責任的人也是挽救不過來的。有些事件需要極度的祕密，除了君主本人，不會有一兩個以上的人知道的，這是真的;然而這一兩個人底言論也不見得沒有好處;因爲，在保守祕密之外，這些言論還能繼續依着同一方針進行而不受擾亂也。
But then it must be a prudent king, such as is able to grind with a hand-mill; and those inward counsellors had need also be wise men, and especially true and trusty to the king's ends; as it was with King Henry the Seventh of England, who in his greatest business imparted himself to none, except it were to Morton, and Fox.
可是要達到這種情形，那爲帝王者就必須要是一位明主，一位自己有力量辦事的人君;並且那些參與機密的議事官也須是有智之人，尤須是忠於君主底目的者才行;英王亨利第七，他在最重大的事件中從不把祕密告訴任何人，除非是摩吞和福克斯，這就是一個例子。
For weakening of authority; the fable showeth the remedy. Nay, the majesty of kings is rather exalted, than diminished, when they are in the chair of counsel: neither was there ever prince bereaved of his dependencies by his counsel; except where there hath been, either an overgreatness in one counsellor, or an overstrict combination in divers; which are things soon found, and holpen.
至於威權之減弱，上述的寓言已經表明那補救之道了。不特如此，帝王底尊嚴與其說是因爲他們參與議論而削減不如說是反而增高了;並且從來也沒有過人君因爲接受言論而失去臣僕的;惟有在某一個言事的人不次升擢或某幾個言事的人組織過密的時候，那算是例外;但是這些情形是容易發覺並補救的。
For the last inconvenience, that men will counsel with an eye to themselves; certainly, non inveniet fidem super terrain, is meant of the nature of times, and not of all particular persons; there be, that are in nature faithful, and sincere, and plain, and direct; not crafty, and involved: let princes, above all, draw to themselves such natures. Besides, counsellors are not commonly so united, but that one counsellor keepeth sentinel over another, so that if any do counsel out of faction, or private ends, it commonly comes to the king's ear. But the best remedy is, if princes know their counsellors, as well as their counsellors know them: principis est virtus maxima nosse suos.
再說那最後的一件害處，就是人們會存私心而進言。無疑地，“他在地面上將找不到忠誠”這句話底用意是形容一個時代而非指所有的個人的。有些人底天性是忠實、誠懇、質樸、爽直，而不是狡猾曲折的;爲人君者當首先把有這樣天性的人吸引到身邊來。再者，言事之臣並非都是團結一致的，反之，他們常常是一個監視一個的;因此若有一個人底言論是爲黨爭或私心而發的，這種情形多半是要傳到君主底耳朵裏來的。但是最好的救治之方就是人君要懂得言官，如言官之懂得人君：“人君之至德在乎知人”。
And on the other side, counsellors should not be too speculative into their sovereign's person. The true composition of a counsellor, is rather to be skilful in their master's business, than in his nature; for then he is like to advise him, and not to feed his humour. It is of singular use to princes, if they take the opinions of their counsel both separately and together.
在另一方面，言論之臣也不可過於喜歡察究他們底君主底爲人。一個參與言論的人底真正應有的品性是要通曉他底主人底事務而不是熟悉他底性格;因爲這樣他就會勸導他而不至於迎合他底脾氣了。爲人君者假如在聽取他底議事諸臣的意見時能聽取個人私下的意見，又能聽取當衆的意見，那是特別有用的。
For private opinion is more free; but opinion before others is more reverend. In private, men are more bold in their own humours; and in consort, men are more obnoxious to others' humours; therefore it is good to take both: and of the inferior sort, rather in private, to preserve freedom; of the greater, rather in consort, to preserve respect It is in vain for princes to take counsel concerning matters, if they take no counsel likewise concerning persons: for all matters, are as dead images; and me life of the execution of affairs resteth in the good choice of persons. Neither is it enough to consult concerning persons, secundurn genera, as in an idea, or mathematical description, what the kind and character of the person should be; for the greatest errors are committed, and the most judgement is shown, in the choice of individuals. It was truly said;optimi consiliarii maud; books will speak plain, when counsellors blanch: Therefore it is good to be conversant in them; specially the books of such as themselves have been actors upon me stage.
因爲私下的意見是較爲自由，而當衆的意見是較爲可重的。在私下，人們比較勇於表示自己底好惡;在公衆中，人們較易受別人的好惡之影響，因此兩種意見都採取是好的;並且在聽取較爲低級的人們底意見時，最好是在私下，爲的是可以使他們暢所欲言;在聽取較爲尊貴的人們底意見時最好是在公衆，爲的是可以使他們出言慎重。爲人君者若僅爲事求言而不同樣地爲人求言，那末這種求言的舉動就是空虛的;因爲這樣做，一切的事務就好象無生命的圖象一般了，而辦理事務的那種生氣則全賴擇人得宜也。要用人而徵求意見時若僅依階級爲標準，以求其人品與性格，就好象在研究一種觀念，或者一道數學題的時候分門別類的那種辦法一樣，那也是不夠的;因爲大錯誤之造成，或大識見之顯出，都在用人得當與否也。古人說：“死了的人乃是最好的進言人”。這話說得不錯：當活着的有言責者畏縮不敢言的時候，書籍是敢直言的。因此最好熟讀書籍，尤其是那些曾經身歷其境的人所作的書。
The counsels, at this day, in most places are but familiar meetings;where matters are rather talked on, than debated. And they run too swift to the order or act of counsel. It were better, that in causes of weight, the matter were propounded one day, and not spoken to, till the next day; in nocte consilium. So was it done, in die commission of union between England and Scotland; which was a grave and orderly assembly. I commend set days for petitions: for both it gives the suitors more certainty for their attendance; and it frees the meetings for matters of estate, that they may hoc agere. In choice of committees, for ripening business for the counsel, it is better to choose indifferent persons, than to make an indifference, by putting in those that are strong on both sides. I commend also standing commissions; as for trade; for treasure; for war; for suits; for some provinces: for where there be divers particular counsels, and but one counsel of estate (as it is in Spain), they are in effect no more than standing commissions; save that they have greater authority. Let such as are to inform counsels, out of their particular professions (as lawyers, seamen, mintmen, and the like), be first heard before committees; and then, as occasion serves, before the counsel.
今日各處底議事機關大多數不過是一種平常的會議而已，在這種會議上諸種事務僅僅受談論而未受辯論也。並且他們都是草草地由議事機關底命令或決議處理。在重大事件上，不如先一日提出其事而直至次日始討論之爲愈;“黑夜帶來良言”。在英，蘇合併問題議事會上就是如此做的：那是個慎重有序的會議機關。我主張應有一定的日期專議請願之事;因爲這種辦法既可以使請願者對於他們底請求能受注意的一事較有把握，又可以使會議機關有工夫來討論國家之事，如此乃可以辦理當前的急務也。在選任委員會，爲總議事機關預備一切的時候，任用那些無成見的人們比任用正反兩面成見甚深的人，而造成一種均衡中立之勢的辦法好。我也贊成永久委員會之制;例如關於貿易的，關於財政的，關於軍事的，關於訴訟的，以及關於某項特別事務的皆是也;因爲若有許多特殊的小議事機關而只有一個國家的議事機關(如在西班牙就是這樣)，那他們就實際上等於永久委員會，不過它們底權大些罷了。凡是由他們底特殊職業而對於議事機關有所報告或陳述的人們(如律師，海員，鑄錢者等)應當先到各委員會報告，然後，看時機之宜否，再到議事機關面前。
And let them not come in multitudes, or in a tribunitious manner; for that is to clamour counsels, not to inform them. A long table, and a square table, or seats about the walls, seem things of form, but are things of substance; for at a long table, a few at the upper end, in effect, sway all the business; but in the other form, there is more use of the counsellors' opinions, that sit lower.
並且他們不可成羣而來，或者帶一種傲慢不遜的態度;因爲那樣就是對議事機關咆哮示威，而不是有所陳述了。一條長桌或是一張方桌或是依牆排列座位這都好象是形式上的事情而其實是實體的事情;因爲在一條長桌之旁，在上端坐的少數人就可以實際上指揮一切;但是在別的坐法中，那坐在下位的議事人底意見就可以多受採納了。
A king, when he presides in counsel, let him beware how he opens his own inclination too much, in that which he propounded!: for else counsellors will but take the wind of him; and instead of giving free counsel, sing him a song of placebo.
一位君主，當他主席會議的時候，應當注意，不可在他底言辭中過於泄露自己底意向;否則那些議事官就要看他底風轉舵，不拿自由自主的意見給他，而要給他唱一曲“吾將愉悅我主”的歌了。
培根經典哲理散文：論遊歷
Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. He that travelleth into a country, before he hath some entrance into the language, goeth to school, and not to travel. That young men travel under some tutor, or grave servant, I allow well; so that he be such a one, that hath the language, and hath been in the country before; whereby he may be able to tell them, what things are worthy to be seen in the country where they go; what acquaintances they are to seek; what exercises or discipline the place yieldeth.
遊歷在年輕人是教育底一部分;在年長的人是經驗底一部分。還未學會一點某國底語言而即往某國遊歷者可說是去上學，而不是去遊歷。少年人應當隨着導師或帶着可靠的從者去遊歷，愚亦贊成;只要那導師或從者是一個懂得所去的國中底語言，並且曾經到過那裏的就是了;因爲如此他就可以告訴那同去的少年在所去的那個國家裏何者當看，何人當識，並有何種的閱歷訓練可得也。
For else young men shall go hooded, and look abroad little. It is a strange thing, that in sea voyages, where there is nothing to be seen but sky and sea, men should make diaries; but in land-travel, wherein so much is to be obscured, for the most part, they omit it; as if chance were fitter to be registered than observation. Let diaries, therefore, be brought in use. The things to be seen and observed are: the courts of princes, specially when they give audience to ambassadors: the courts of justice, while they sit and hear causes; and so of consistories ecclesiastics: the churches, and monasteries, with the monuments which are therein extant: the walls and fortifications of cities and towns; and so the havens and harbours: antiquities, and ruins: libraries; colleges, disputations, and lectures, where any are: shipping and navies: houses, and gardens of state and pleasure, near great cities: armories: arsenals: magazines: exchanges: bourses; warehouses: exercises of horsemanship; fencing; training of soldiers; and the like: comedies; such whereunto the better sort of persons do resort; treasuries of jewels, and robes; cabinets, and rarities: and to conclude, whatsoever is memorable in the places where they go. After all which, the tutors or servants ought to make diligent enquiry. As for triumphs; masques; feasts; weddings; funerals; capital executions; and such shows; men need not to be put in mind of them; yet are they not to be neglected.
如不然者，少年人去到外國將如鷹隼之戴着頭巾，不會怎樣往外面看也。在航海的時候，除了天和海以外，別無什麼可看的，然而人們卻常寫日記;在陸地上旅行的時候，可觀察者甚多，而人們卻常省略寫日記之舉;好象偶見的事物比專心去觀察的事物反倒較爲值得記載似的，這是很奇怪的。所以日記是應當記的。在遊歷中應當觀覽考察的事物是：君主底朝廷，尤其是當他們接見外國使臣的時候;法庭，當他們開庭問案的時候;還有宗教法院;教堂及僧院，和其中遺留的紀念品;城市底牆垣與堡壘;商埠與港灣;古物與遺蹟;圖書館;學院，辯論會，演講，(如果有的話);航業與海軍;大城附近的壯麗的建築與花園，武庫;兵工廠;國家倉庫;交易所;堆棧;馬術訓練;劍術;軍操，以及此類的事物;上流人士所去的戲院;珠玉衣服之珍藏;木器與珍玩;並且，最後，任何當地值得記憶的事物。關於這一切那做導師或僕人的人們是應當仔細訪問的;至於那些盛典、宮劇、宴會、婚禮、出殯、殺人以及類此的景象，是無須乎令人記憶的;然而也不可把它們忽略了。
If you will have a young man, to put his travel into a little room, and in short time, to gather much, this you must do. First, as was said, he must have some entrance into the language, before he goeth. Then he must have such a servant, or tutor, as knoweth the country, as was likewise said. Let him carry with him also some card or book describing the country, where he travelleth; which will be a good key to his enquiry. Let him keep also a diary. Let him not stay long in one city, or town; more or less as the place deserveth, but not long: nay, when he stayeth in one city or town, let him change his lodging, from one end and part of the town to another, which is a great adamant of acquaintance. Let him sequester himself from the company of his countrymen, and diet in such places, where mere is good company of the nation where he travelleth. Let him upon his removes, from one place to another, procure recommendation to some person of quality, residing in the place whither he removeth; that he may use his favour in those things he desireth to see or know.
如果你要一個年輕人把他底遊歷限於一個小的地域，並且要他在短時間內得到許多知識的話，他就一定非如此做不可。第一，如上所述，在他去的以前他一定要稍會所去的國中底語言。又如上述，他也得有一個熟習那個國家底情形的僕從或導師。他也得隨身帶上些描述他所要去的國家的地圖或書籍;這些書籍對於他底訪問觀察將爲一種良好的引導。他也應當記日記。他在一個城或鎮中不可住的過久;他居留期間之長短應當合乎那地方底價值，但是不可過長。不但如此，當他住在一個城市中的時候，他應當把住所由城市底一端或一部分遷移到另外的一端或一部分;這樣就大可以吸引許多相識了。他應當和他底本國人分開，不要常常來往，並且在那可以遇見所在國中底上流人士的地方吃飯。在他從一處遷往別處的時候，他應當設法得到介紹，可以往見所去的地方底名人，爲的是這人可以在他所想見到或瞭解的事物上替他幫忙。
Thus he may abridge his travel, with much profit As for the acquaintance, which is to be sought in travel; that which is most of all profitable, is acquaintance with the secretaries and employed men of ambassadors; for so in travelling in one country he shall suck the experience of many. Let him also see and visit imminent persons, in all kinds, which are of great fame abroad; that he may be able to tell, how the life agreeth with the same. For quarrels, they are with care and discretion to be avoided: they are, commonly, for mistresses; healths; place; and words.
如此他就可以縮短他底遊歷底期間而同時獲得不少的益處了。至於說到在遊歷中應當尋求的友誼，那最有益處的就是和各國使節底書記或私人祕書的交際，如此，一個人雖在一國中游歷卻可以吸收關於許多國家的知識也。這個遊歷的人也應當去見各界中在國外有大名的名流或鉅子;爲的是也許他可以看出來這些人底真正爲人與他們底聲名有多少相符之處。至於爭鬥，那是務須謹慎避免的。爭鬥底原因普通多是爲情人、飲祝、座次以及言語的。
And let a man beware, how he keepeth company with choleric and quarrelsome persons; for they will engage him into their own quarrels. When a traveller returneth home, let him not leave the countries where he hath travelled altogether behind him; but maintain a correspondence, by letters, with those of his acquaintance, which are of most let his travel appear rather in his discourse, than in his apparel, or gesture: and in his discourse, let him be rather advised in his answers, then forwards to tell stories: and let it appear, that he doth not change his country manners for those of foreign parts; but only prick in some flowers, of mat he hath learned abroad, into the customs of his own country.
一個人並且應當注意如何與善怒喜爭之人交往;因爲這些人是會把他捲入他們自己底爭鬥中的。一個旅行者回到本國之後，不可把曾經遊歷的國家完全置之腦後，而應當與他所結交的最有價值的異國朋友繼續通信。再者，他底遊歷頂好是在他底談話中出現而不要在他底服裝和舉止中出現;而在他底談話中他也頂好是審慎答問而不要爭先敘述他底?歷;他並且應當讓人家看他並不是以外國底習慣來替代本國底習慣，而僅僅是把他從國外學來的某種最好的事物移植入本國底風習中而已。
