164.投石问路
投石问路,以洞察人们是怎样看待某些事情,尤其是那些不知道是否能够被接受、是否会成功的事情。这样,就能确保行事有好的结果,并且可以获得一个选择的机会,是继续认真做下去还是全身而退。智者通过试探他人的想法,从而知道自己的处境。这是在提出询问、请求和管理他人之时最具远见的重大法则。
164.Throwstrawsintheair
Throwstrawsintheair,tofindhowthingswillbereceived,especiallythosewhosereceptionorsuccessisdoubtful。Onecanthusbeassuredofitsturningoutwell,andanopportunityisaffordedforgoingoninearnestorwithdrawingentirely。Bytryingmen'sintentionsinthisway,thewisemanknowsonwhatgroundhestands。Thisisthegreatruleofforesightinasking,indesiring,andinruling。