Or, supposing that this is not always the consequence, a future state of existence is scarcely taken into the reckoning when only negative virtues are cultivated.

或者，假设这并不总是结果，那么当只培养负面美德时，几乎不会考虑未来的存在状态。

I do not say, that a prudent, worldly-wise man, with only negative virtues and qualities, may not sometimes obtain a smoother reputation than a wiser or a better man.

我并不是说，一个审慎、世故的人，只有消极的美德和品质，有时可能不会比一个更聪明或更好的人获得更好的声誉。