Do not wear a ring, or a shoe, we say, that is too tight, which may impede you in walking, or in any other actions. Metaphorically, do not by imprudence waste your property, and contract debts, which will lead to the loss of your liberty; neither pay so much deference to the opinions of others, as to embrace them implicitly, without first submitting them to a careful examination. Persons who are so tractable are said to be led by the nose, and of such, artful men do not fail to take advantage. Also, be not ready to bind yourselves by vows, or oaths, to do, or to refrain from any act. If the thing be proper in itself, you will have sufficient incentive to do it, without laying such obligations or restrictions upon yourself; the necessity for which can only arise from imbecility, or inconstancy of mind, which you should rather endeavor to cure than to indulge.
Fuente: Erasmo, 2 (5).
