So a selfish individual, a person whose perception is distorted by their emotions, must acquire a distorted wisdom, and can never become wise. Of Understanding Understanding is the application of reason using a set of values, so the extent and nature of the values invoked determines the nature of the understanding. Essentially there are two kinds of human understanding depending upon the initial basis of the understanding. An individual can either be selfish or unselfish as taught by the early experiences of infancy. For this will determine if they can master their instincts to gain a clear understanding, or permanently be the servant of the emotions and be restrained only by convenience.
Nothing is more important than self.
Self-Restraint Inspired by the needs of others for their dignity, peace, property, and lives . Self-Restraint Enforced only by convenience, the reaction of others. Truth Essential for self-restraint to recognise when it is needed. This imposes a constraint on the impact of fear and fancy upon observation, and enforces a sober view of events. . Truth Irrelevant convenience dictates all restraints, and without this private sense of restraint observations become readily distorted by the influence of fear and fancy.