quotations about advice
Giving free advice is a sad waste of effort. In the first place, no man will act upon it unless he is already inclined to do so. Secondly, when a man lays his case before you, the idea that he is asking your advice is a polite fabrication. He merely is suggesting that he is doing so, while as a fact his real object is to acquaint you with his personal activity. He wants to talk to somebody, being a natural gossip or gadder, and he plays upon your propensity for "giving advice" in order to get an audience.
WILLIAM HENRY MCMASTERS
"On the Matter of Advice"
Good advice is like a useful tool, yet it requires hands to make it work.
PANO GEORGE KARKANIS
Thoughts for Meaningful Life
Advice is about doing what meets the client's objectives and that can include things that you wouldn't do yourself.
CARMEN REICHMAN
"Percival: Don't be scared of giving the right advice", Professional Advisor, March 3, 2016
No one wants advice, only corroboration.
JOHN STEINBECK
The Winter of our Discontent
Show me a wife who doesn't offer advice and I'll show you one who doesn't care very much.
BARBARA BUSH
attributed, Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much
The character of giving advice often makes us accountable for the conduct of those we advise.
NORMAN MACDONALD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
It is as easy to give advice to yourself as to others, and as useless.
AUSTIN O'MALLEY
Keystones of Thought
Giving advice is many times only the privilege of saying a foolish thing one's self, under the pretense of hindering another from doing one.
ALEXANDER POPE
"Thoughts on Various Subjects"
I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.
OSCAR WILDE
An Ideal Husband
Free advice is often overpriced.
E. C. MCKENZIE
Mac's Giant Book of Quips & Quotes
A woman seldom asks advice before she has bought her wedding clothes.
JOSEPH ADDISON
The Spectator, Sep. 4, 1712
Good advice is rarer than rubies.
SALMAN RUSHDIE
East, West
Many receive advice, few profit by it.
PUBLILIUS SYRUS
Moral Sayings
Advice is like rain that soaks everything without being sought.
TIMOTHY BROOK
The Troubled Empire
The counsels of the old, like the winter sun, shine, but give no heat.
LUC DE CLAPIERS, MARQUIS DE VAUVENARGUES
Reflections and Maxims
I came to the conclusion, that if my advice wouldn't be taken by those who needed it most and was stolen by those who could well afford to pay for it, that I would hereafter give advice only to myself and always sell it to others.
WILLIAM HENRY MCMASTERS
"On the Matter of Advice"
Advice is only rarely requested with the intention of being followed. Sometimes, it is requested in order to flatter the advisor. Sometimes, it is requested because it is hoped that the advice given will tell a great deal about the advisor. Sometimes, the request is an excuse for spending time with the advisor, because his or her room is nicer.... Occasionally, the request for advice is an introductory sentence, a polite preface to a lengthy statement of the requester's opinion. Asking for advice can also be a way of apologizing for numerous occasions when advice or orders have not been followed in the past.
NORMAN SARTORIUS
Fighting for Mental Health
I love when someone I'm asking for advice tells me they've gone through the exact same thing I have, and I even love when, as they continue talking, it becomes clear that it's not the same thing at all. I love hearing advice I wanted to hear, because then I feel right. But I also like hearing advice I don't agree with, because then I get to feel right and superior, which are two of my favorite feelings to have.
KATIE HEANEY
"Why I've Stopped Giving And Asking For Advice", Buzzfeed, March 1, 2016
If individuals hesitate to ask for advice out of a worry others will perceive them as less competent, they lose the ability to learn through advice -- and organizations will fail to take advantage of one of the central reasons for putting people together in a workplace.
STEVE KELMAN
"Don't hesitate to ask for advice!", The Lectern, February 29, 2016
In my experience, most unsolicited advice comes from people who genuinely care. They want what's best for you, and they think their cautionary tales (even when you know the advice to be misguided) can help you avoid missteps. Whenever possible, just graciously say "thank you" and move on. This lets those who care feel like they are participating in your success and helping you on your journey.
BRITTANY HODAK
"How to respond to unsolicited advice about your startup", Wichita Business Journal, March 1, 2016