自知或从知者处知。如果没有知识(不管来自本人还是他人),就不可能有真实的生活。但是,许多人都不知道自己无知,更有甚者不懂却自以为懂。智力方面的缺陷是无可救药的,那些无知的人,没有自知之明,所以不知道去找寻自己所欠缺的东西。许多人如果不自作聪明,本来是可以成为智者的。这样,智慧的哲人虽然很少,但却无人问津。向他人求教无损你的伟大,也不会让人怀疑你的才能。相反,证明你乐于接纳他人意见。如果你不想失败,就应理智地听取别人的忠告。
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 if you do not wish to court defeat.