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Lincoln "If you want to test a man's character, give him power"

 

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

 

第十六任美國總統林肯 ，經歷南北戰爭，維護了聯邦的完整，廢除黑奴，並推動經濟現代化。1865年總統任期內被刺殺身亡。有人說：「權力使人腐化，絕對權力令人絕對腐化」，所以林肯說，要試驗一個人的品格，只消給他權力便可以了。

 

adversity 逆境；不幸；厄運

(noun 名詞)

 

例子：She was always cheerful in adversity. 身處逆境時，她也從不垂頭喪氣。

例子：The road to happiness is paved with adversities. 通往幸福的道路上荊棘滿途。

 

character

(noun 名詞)

 

1. 個性

例子：     It would be very out of character (= not typical) of her to lie. 撒謊可不符合她的個性。

例子：     It's not in his character to be (= he is not usually) jealous. 他不是個愛嫉妒的人。

       

2. 風格，特色，特點

例子：     a hotel of character 獨具特色的飯店

例子：     I'd prefer an old place with a bit of character.  我偏愛有特色的老地方。

例子：     As people grow older, their faces acquire more character.  隨著年齡的增長，人的臉上越來越具有個性。