《智慧书·第三辑·一〇一至一五〇》第47则
Do not be Inaccessible. None is so perfect that he does not need at times the advice of others. He is an incorrigible ass who will never listen to any one. Even the most surpassing intellect should find a place for friendly counsel. Sovereignty itself must learn to lean. There are some that are incorrigible simply because they are inaccessible: they fall to ruin because none dares to extricate them. The highest should have the door open for friendship; it may prove the gate of help. A friend must be free to advise, and even to upbraid, without feeling embarrassed. Our satisfaction in him and our trust in his steadfast faith give him that power. One need not pay respect or give credit to every one, but in the innermost of his precaution man has a true mirror of a confidant to whom he owes the correction of his errors, and has to thank for it.
注释摘要
葛拉西安开篇便把这个建议钉在一条听起来很绝对的人格判断上：不听任何人意见的人是“不可救药的蠢驴”（incorrigible ass）。标题与正文第一句合在一起看，意思很完整——别把自己弄成一座攻不破的孤堡，因为世上不存在完美到无需外援的个人。这里用的incorrigible并不是泛指顽固，而是在十七世纪道德神学的语汇里指那种“拒绝纠正”的封闭状态，也就是理…