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英语散文：论习惯与教育

摘要:人们底思想多是依从着他们底愿望的，他们底谈论和言语多是依从着他们底学问和从外面得来的见解的;但是他们底行为却是随着他们平日的习惯的。所以马基亚委利说得很好(虽然他所论的事是很丑的)，天性底力量和言语底动人，若无习惯底增援，都是不可靠的。

Men's thoughts are much according to their inclination: their discourse and speechesaccording to their learning, and infused opinions; but their deeds are after as they have beenaccustomed. And therefore, as Machiavelli well noteth (though in an evil favoured instance)there is no trusting to the force of nature, nor to the bravery of words; except it becorroborate by custom. His instance is, that for the achieving of a desperate conspiracy, aman should not rest upon the fierceness of any man's nature, or his resolute undertakings;but take Such an one, as hath had his hands formerly in blood. But Machiavelli knew not of aFriar Clement, nor a Ravillac, nor a Jaureguy, nor a Baltazar Gerard: yet his rule holdeth still,that nature, nor the engagement of words, are not so forcible as custom. Only superstition isnow so well advanced, that men of the first blood are as firm as butchers by occupation: andvotary resolution is made equipollent to custom, even in matter of blood. In other things, thepredominancy of custom is everywhere visible; in so much, as a man would wonder, to hearmen profess, protest, engage, give great words, and then do just as they have done before:as if they were dead images, and engines moved only by the wheels of custom.

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