善于领会弦外之音。善谈曾是人首先要掌握的技巧,但此术已不敷用。我们必须懂得领悟暗示,尤其是用于解除自己的疑惑。若不能很好地理解别人,那就很难被别人理解。有的人就像极善揣测他人之心的术士、洞察猎物之意的山猫。恰恰是那些对我们极为重要的真相,别人只会说一半。但是,只要用心,我们就能够理解全部含义。好事宁信其无,坏事宁信其有。
Know how to take a hint. It was once the art of arts to be able to discourse; now it is no longer sufficient. We must know how to take a hint, especially in disabusing ourselves. He cannot make himself understood who does not himself easily understand. But on the other hand there are pretended diviners of the heart and lynxes of the intentions. The very truths which concern us most can only be half spoken, but with attention we can grasp the whole meaning. When you hear anything favourable keep a tight rein on your credulity; if unfavourable, give it the spur.