234 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XXIII. 22. 
in conclusion but only to this, to make a better and freer 
choice of those actions which may concern us, and 
to conduct them with the less error and the more 
dexterity. 
23. The second precept concerning this knowledge is, 
for men to take good information touching their own 
person, and well to understand themselves: knowing 
that, as S. James saith, though men look oft in a glass, 
yet they do suddenly forget themselves; wherein as 
the divine glass is the word of God, so the politic glass 
is the state of the world, or times wherein we live, in the 
which we are to behold ourselves. 
24. For men ought to take an unpartial view of their 
own abilities and virtues; and again of their wants and 
impediments; accounting these with the most, and those 
other with the least; and from this view and examination 
to frame the considerations following. 
25. First, to consider how the constitution of their 
nature sorteth with the general state of the times; which 
if they find agreeable and fit, then in all things to give 
themselves more scope and liberty; but if differing and 
dissonant, then in the whole course of their life to be 
more close retired, and reserved: as we see in Tiberius, 
who was never seen at a play, and came not into the 
Senate in twelve of his last years; whereas Augustus 
Cesar lived ever in men’s eyes, which Tacitus observeth, 
alia Tiberio morum via. 
26. Secondly, to consider how their nature sorteth with 
professions and courses of life, and accordingly to make 
election, if they be free; and, if engaged, to make the 
departure at the first opportunity: as we see was done 
by Duke Valentine, that was designed by his father to a 
sacerdotal profession, but quitted it soon after in regard 
