ADVANCEMENT C.F LEARNING 369 



ships with such as have an extensive and general knowl 

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

 of particular friends, who, according to the diversity of 

 occasions, may be always ready to give a solid information 

 upon any point that shall turn up. 2. In observing a pru 

 dent 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 toward 

 ourselves, which brings many things to our knowledge; 

 while 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 intent- 

 ness 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 philosopher say to himself in 

 every action, &quot;I will do this, yet keep to my rule,&quot; &quot; so 

 a politician should resolve with himself in every business, 

 U I will drive this point, and yet learn somewhat of future 

 use.&quot; And, therefore, such tempers as are wholly intent 

 upon a present business without at all regarding what may 

 intervene, which Montaigne acknowledges was his own de 

 fect, make excellent ministers of state, but fail in advancing 

 their private fortunes. 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; for nothing is more unfortunate and rash 

 than such a procedure. Therefore the variety of knowledge 

 to be here procured 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 dexterity and safety. 



Next to the knowledge of others comes the knowledge 

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



73 Enchiridion, iv. 



