事业 · 创业者自述
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯：自助论·摘录 199
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯《自助论》· Self-Help · 领导
Admiral Jervis, Earl St. Vincent, has told the story of his early struggles, and, amongst other things, of his determination to keep out of debt. “My father had a very large family,” said he, “with limited means. He gave me twenty pounds at starting, and that was all he ever gave me. After I had been a considerable time at the station [at sea], I drew for twenty more, but the bill came back protested. I was mortified at this rebuke, and made a promise, which I have ever kept, that I would never draw another bill without a certainty of its being paid. I immediately changed my mode of living, quitted my mess, lived alone, and took up the ship’s allowance, which I found quite sufficient; washed and mended my own clothes; made a pair of trousers out of the ticking of my bed; and having by these means saved as much money as would redeem my honour, I took up my bill, and from that time to this I have taken care to keep within my means.” Jervis for six years endured pinching privation, but preserved his integrity, studied his profession with success, and gradually and steadily rose by merit and bravery to the highest rank.
出处：
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/935
定位：Excerpt 199 · 核对日期：2026-10-19 · 核验：短摘录
白话
海军上将杰维斯（圣文森特伯爵）讲述早年奋斗，特别提到他决心不欠债。他说父亲子女多、收入有限，只给过他二十英镑。在海上服役很久后，他又开了一张二十英镑的汇票，却被拒付。这次羞辱让他发誓：没有把握兑付就绝不再开汇票。他立刻改变生活方式，退出军官食堂，独自生活，靠船上配给，发现完全够用；自己洗衣补衣，用床布做了一条裤子；这样攒够钱赎回荣誉，兑付了汇票。此后他一直量入为出。他忍受了六年拮据，但保持了正直，钻研专业，凭功绩和勇敢稳步升到最高军衔。
上下文
斯迈尔斯《自助》中引述英国海军上将杰维斯的真实经历，说明自律与诚信。
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