ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [BOOK VIII. 



But the shortest way to this whole inquiry rests upon 

 three particulars ; viz., 1. In procuring numerous friend 

 ships with such as have an extensive and general knowledge 

 both of men and things, or at least in securing a set of par 

 ticular friends, who, according to the di versity of occasions, 

 may be always ready to give a solid information upon any 

 point that shall turn up. 2. In observing a prudent mean 

 and moderation between the freedom of discourse and silence, 

 using frankness of speech most frequently ; but when the 

 thing requires it, taciturnity ; for openness of speech invites 

 and excites others to use the same towards ourselves, which 

 brings many things to our knowledge ; whilst taciturnity 

 procures trust, and makes men willing to deposit their 

 secrets with us as in their own bosom. 3. In gradually 

 acquiring such a habit of watchfulness and intentness in all 

 discourse and action, as at once to promote the business in 

 hand, yet take notice of incidental matters ; for, as Epictetus 

 would have a philooopher say to himself in every action, &quot; I 

 will do this, yet keep to my rule,&quot; d so a politician should 

 resolve with himself in every business, &quot; I will drive this 

 point, and yet learn somewhat of future use.&quot; And, there 

 fore, such tempers as are wholly intent upon a present busi 

 ness without at all regarding what may intervene, which 

 Montaigne acknowledges was his own defect, make excellent 

 ministers of state, but fail in advancing their private for 

 tunes. A principal caution must also be had to restrain the 

 impetuosity and too great alacrity of the mind, lest much 

 knowledge should drive us on to meddle in many matters; 

 ior nothing is more unfortunate and rash than such a proce 

 dure. Therefore the variety of knowledge to be here p.x)- 

 cured of men and things comes but to this, that we make a 

 judicious choice both of the matters we undertake and of the 

 persons whose assistance we use, that we may thence know 

 how to manage and dispose all things with the greater dex 

 terity and salety. 



Next to the knowledge of others comes the knowledge cl 

 ourselves; and it requires no less diligence, but rather more 

 to get a true and exact information of ourselves than 

 others. For that oracle, &quot; Know thyself,&quot; is not only a rule 

 in ijeneral prudence, but has also a principal place in politic* 

 4 Enchiriiioo, iv. 



