《智慧书·第四辑·一五一至二百》第26则
Have Knowledge, or know those that have Knowledge. Without intelligence, either one's own or another's, true life is impossible. But many do not know that they do not know, and many think they know when they know nothing. Failings of the intelligence are incorrigible, since those who do not know, do not know themselves, and cannot therefore seek what they lack. Many would be wise if they did not think themselves wise. Thus it happens that though the oracles of wisdom are rare, they are rarely used. To seek advice does not lessen greatness or argue incapacity. On the contrary, to ask advice proves you well advised. Take counsel with reason it you do not wish to court defeat.
注释摘要
这则格言讲的是一个看似简单、实则触到了人类智识最顽固盲区的道理：人要么自己有真知，要么就得识得并借重有真知的人。葛拉西安把欠缺智识的状态直接等同于“真实生活的不可能”——不是修辞夸张，而是因为他所说的“intelligence”并非今天心理学意义上的智力，而是古典和经院传统里那种兼具明辨与判断力的智性能力，是审慎的前提。 这则格言的标题与正文原是一句连贯的…