事业 · 创业者自述
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯：自助论·摘录 244
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯《自助论》· Self-Help · 领导
As daylight can be seen through very small holes, so little things will illustrate a person’s character. Indeed character consists in little acts, well and honourably performed; daily life being the quarry from which we build it up, and rough-hew the habits which form it. One of the most marked tests of character is the manner in which we conduct ourselves towards others. A graceful behaviour towards superiors, inferiors, and equals, is a constant source of pleasure. It pleases others because it indicates respect for their personality; but it gives tenfold more pleasure to ourselves. Every man may to a large extent be a self-educator in good behaviour, as in everything else; he can be civil and kind, if he will, though he have not a penny in his purse. Gentleness in society is like the silent influence of light, which gives colour to all nature; it is far more powerful than loudness or force, and far more fruitful. It pushes its way quietly and persistently, like the tiniest daffodil in spring, which raises the clod and thrusts it aside by the simple persistency of growing.
出处：
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/935
定位：Excerpt 244 · 核对日期：2026-10-19 · 核验：短摘录
白话
就像光线能透过很小的孔，小事也能显示一个人的品格。事实上，品格由一件件做得妥当、体面的小事组成；日常生活就是采石场，我们从中建造品格，并粗凿出形成品格的习习惯。最能检验品格的方式之一，是我们如何对待他人。对上级、下级和平级都举止得体，会不断带来愉悦。它让别人高兴，因为表明尊重他们的人格；但给自己带来的快乐十倍于此。每个人在很大程度上都可以自我教育，养成良好举止；即使身无分文，只要愿意，也能礼貌友善。社会中的温和就像光无声的影响，给万物着色；它比大声和强力更有力量，也更富有成果。它安静而持久地推进，像春天最小的水仙，凭生长的坚持顶开土块。
上下文
塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯《自助》中论品格与举止的段落，19世纪英国。
今日一问
今天你对身边某个人（无论地位高低）的举止，能体现尊重吗？
公版作品；原文逐字取自 Project Gutenberg，仅摘录段落并附全书链接。
你的邮箱
只用于发送原典。不发广告，不卖名单。
本文本为公版；底本与原文链接见上。 版权