事业 · 创业者自述
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯：自助论·摘录 213
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯《自助论》· Self-Help · 领导
Self-respect is the noblest garment with which a man may clothe himself—the most elevating feeling with which the mind can be inspired. One of Pythagoras’s wisest maxims, in his ‘Golden Verses,’ is that with which he enjoins the pupil to “reverence himself.” Borne up by this high idea, he will not defile his body by sensuality, nor his mind by servile thoughts. This sentiment, carried into daily life, will be found at the root of all the virtues—cleanliness, sobriety, chastity, morality, and religion. “The pious and just honouring of ourselves,” said Milton, “may be thought the radical moisture and fountain-head from whence every laudable and worthy enterprise issues forth.” To think meanly of one’s self, is to sink in one’s own estimation as well as in the estimation of others. And as the thoughts are, so will the acts be. Man cannot aspire if he look down; if he will rise, he must look up. The very humblest may be sustained by the proper indulgence of this feeling. Poverty itself may be lifted and lighted up by self-respect; and it is truly a noble sight to see a poor man hold himself upright amidst his temptations, and refuse to demean himself by low actions.
出处：
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/935
定位：Excerpt 213 · 核对日期：2026-10-19 · 核验：短摘录
白话
自尊是人能穿上的最高贵衣服，是心灵能受到的最提升人的情感。毕达哥拉斯《金言》中最智慧的格言之一，就是叮嘱学生“敬畏自己”。受此高尚观念支撑，人不会用淫欲玷污身体，也不会用奴性思想玷污心灵。这种情感带入日常生活，会成为一切美德的根源——清洁、节制、贞洁、道德和宗教。弥尔顿说：“虔诚而公正地尊重自己，可视为一切可嘉可敬事业由之涌出的根本源泉。”看轻自己，既会降低自我评价，也会降低别人对你的评价。思想怎样，行为就怎样。人若向下看就无法向上追求；若要上升，必须向上看。最卑微的人也能因适当怀有这种情感而得到支撑。贫穷本身也能因自尊而提升和照亮；看到穷人在诱惑中挺直腰板、拒绝卑劣行为，真是高尚的景象。
上下文
斯迈尔斯《自助》中论自尊的价值，引用毕达哥拉斯和弥尔顿，强调自尊是美德根基。
今日一问
你平时是看低自己多，还是尊重自己多？这如何影响你的行为？
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