See here, 1. What it is that keeps a fool from being wise: His way is
right in his own eyes; he thinks he is in the right in every thing he
does, and therefore asks no advice, because he does not apprehend he
needs it; he is confident he knows the way, and cannot miss it, and
therefore never enquires the way. The rule he goes by is to do that
which is right in his own eyes, to walk in the way of his heart.
Quicquid libet, licet--He makes his will his law. He is a fool that is
governed by his eye, and not by his conscience. 2. What it is that
keeps a wise man from being a fool; he is willing to be advised,
desires to have counsel given him, and hearkens to counsel, being
diffident of his own judgment and having a value for the direction of
those that are wise and good. He is wise (it is a sign he is so, and he
is likely to continue so) whose ear is always open to good advice.