246．除非被要求，決不提供解釋

除非被要求，決不提供解釋。就算有人要你解釋，你解釋過多也是錯。在沒有必要時為自己辯解相當于控告自己。讓自己健康的身體流血，等于給居心不良者以暗示。意外的辯解會喚醒沉睡的懷疑。明智之人不會表現出自己已經意識到別人的懷疑，否則等于自找麻煩。最好是用正直誠實的行為來解除他人的懷疑。

246．Never offer satisfaction unless it is demanded

Never offer satisfaction unless it is demanded. And if they do demand it, it is a kind of crime to give more than necessary: To excuse oneself before there is occasion is to accuse oneself. To draw blood in full health gives the hint to ill-will. An excuse unexpected arouses suspicion from its slumbers. Nor need a shrewd person show himself aware of another's suspicion, which is equivalent to seeking out offence. He had best disarm distrust by the integrity of his conduct.