238．知道自己缺少什么

知道自己缺少什么。如果不是有所欠缺，很多人可以成为大人物；有了不足，就无法达到完美的顶点。值得注意的是，有的人如果能在某方面好一点，他就会好许多。也许他们由于不认真，才影响了才华的施展。有的人不够亲切，他们身边的人很快会发现这一点，尤其是在他们手握大权的时候。有些人没有组织能力，有些人缺乏节制。对于所有这些缺陷，审慎者能培养好的习惯，使其成为人的第二天性。

238．Know what is wanting in yourself

Know what is wanting in yourself. Many would have been great personages if they had not had something wanting without which they could not rise to the height of perfection. It is remarkable with some that they could be much better if they could be better in something. They do not perhaps take themselves seriously enough to do justice to their great abilities; some are wanting in geniality of disposition, a quality which their entourage soon find the want of, especially if they are in high office. Some are without organizing ability, others lack moderation. In all such cases a careful man may make of habit a second nature.