Italians and Englishmen

Italians, and perhaps Frenchmen, consider first whether they like or want

to do a thing and then whether, on the whole, it will do them any harm.

Englishmen, and perhaps Germans, consider first whether they ought to

like a thing and often never reach the questions whether they do like it

and whether it will hurt. There is much to be said for both systems, but

I suppose it is best to combine them as far as possible.

The Note-Books of Samuel Butler · 第 315 / 602 题