四月
Is Shyness Necessary？
Guidance for Reciting
Follow your own course，and let people talk.
The most useful medicines are often unpleasing to the taste. Those who are oppressed by their own reputation，will，perhaps，not be comforted by hearing that their cares are unnecessary. But the truth is that no man is much regarded by the rest of the world. He who considers how little he dwells upon the condition of others will learn how little the attention of others is attracted by himself. While we see multitudes passing before us，of whom，perhaps，not one appears to deserve our notice，or excite our sympathy，we should remember，that we likewise are lost in the same throng；that the eye which happens to glance upon us is turned in a moment on him that follows us；and that the utmost which we can reasonably hope or fear is，to fill vacant hour with prattle，and be forgotten.
Notes
1.oppress [E5pres] v. 使（心情等）沉重，使烦恼
2.dwell upon 细想（详论，详述）
3.multitude [5mQltitju：d] n. 多数，群众
4.vacant [5veikEnt] a. 空的
5.prattle [5prAtl] n. 半截话，无聊话
害羞，有必要吗？
诵读导言
走自己的路，让别人去说吧！
忠言逆耳，良药苦口。那些终日只为名声而活的人，如果听到别人说他们心机太重，或许会感到不舒服。但事实是，没有什么人会永远赢得世人的关注。一个人，如果他自己对别人的言谈举止漠不关心，他就应该意识到自己在别人眼里也不会有多大的吸引力。看着川流不息的人群从我们面前经过，我们应该清楚，他们当中可能没有人值得我们注意和同情，同样，我们也会在这人群的视野中消失得无影无踪，即使偶尔瞥向我们的目光也会瞬间转向他人。此时，我们的期望或担忧必须是理智的，要学会如何在与人闲谈之中打发无聊的闲暇时光，然后悄无声息地隐去。
口语点津
“While we see multitudes passing before us”中的pass是动词“经过，路过”的意思。口语中有“Pass the hat”的说法，意思是“乞讨、求人捐钱”。以前，美国教堂在礼拜结束前总是用一顶帽子在教徒当中一个个地传递过去，希望人们为教堂捐钱。现在的教堂已经不再用帽子了，而是用一个铜制或银制的盘子来代替。但是，to pass the hat现在超越了宗教的色彩，应用到日常生活中，意思就是让大家捐钱帮同事度过意外的灾难。