双语·少年维特的烦恼 一七七二年一月八日
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JANUARY 8, 1772.
What beings are men, whose whole thoughts are occupied with form and ceremony, who for years together devote their mental and physical exertions to the task of advancing themselves but one step, and endeavouring to occupy a higher place at the table. Not that such persons would otherwise want employment: on the contrary, they give themselves much trouble by neglecting important business for such petty trifles. Last week a question of precedence arose at a sledging-party, and all our amusement was spoiled.
The silly creatures cannot see that it is not place which constitutes real greatness, since the man who occupies the first place but seldom plays the principal part. How many kings are governed by their ministers—how many ministers by their secretaries? Who, in such cases, is really the chief? He, as it seems to me, who can see through the others, and possesses strength or skill enough to make their power or passions subservient to the execution of his own designs.
一七七二年一月八日
真不知这是些什么人，整个的心思都系挂在那种种繁文缛节上，成年累月盘算和希冀的只是怎样才能在宴席上把自己的座位往上挪一把椅子。并非他们除此别无事做；相反，事情多得成堆，恰恰是为忙那些无聊的琐事去了，才顾不上干重要的事。上星期，在乘雪橇出游时便发生了争吵，结果大为扫兴。
这班傻瓜哟，他们看不出位置先后本身毫无意义；看不出坐第一把交椅的，很少是第一号角色！古往今来，不知有多少君王受自己宰相的支配，有多少宰相又被他秘书所驾驭！在这种情况下，谁是第一号人物呢？我认为是那个眼光超过常人，有足够的魄力和心计把别人的力量与热情全动员起来实现自己计划的人。
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