246．除非被要求，决不提供解释

除非被要求，决不提供解释。就算有人要你解释，你解释过多也是错。在没有必要时为自己辩解相当于控告自己。让自己健康的身体流血，等于给居心不良者以暗示。意外的辩解会唤醒沉睡的怀疑。明智之人不会表现出自己已经意识到别人的怀疑，否则等于自找麻烦。最好是用正直诚实的行为来解除他人的怀疑。

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.