We are so fond on one another because our ailments are the same.
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) Irish Satirist
Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom.
—Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) German Literary and Marxist Critic
Not as thou sayest, but as thy fellows say.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill. But what would you? You have not told me all concerning yourself; and how then shall I choose better than you?
—J. R. R. Tolkien (1892–1973) British Scholar, Author
Diseases are the tax on pleasures.
—John Ray (1627–1705) English Naturalist, Theologian
One can advise comfortably from a safe port.
—Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) German Poet, Dramatist
It is an easy thing for one whose foot is on the outside of calamity to give advice and to rebuke the sufferer.
—Aeschylus (525–456 BCE) Greek Playwright
It takes nearly as much ability to know how to profit by good as to know how to act for one’s self.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
Let no man value at a little price a virtuous woman’s counsel.
—George Chapman (c.1560–1634) English Poet, Playwright
All diseases run into one, old age.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.
—Agatha Christie (1890–1976) British Novelist, Short-Story Writer, Playwright
The advice of foxes is dangerous for chickens.
—Spanish Proverb
My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife, you’ll be happy; if not, you’ll become a philosopher.
—Socrates (469BCE–399BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher
This is a great country, and it wasn’t made so by angry people. We have a sacred duty to bequeath it to our grandchildren in better shape than however we found it. We have a long way to go and we’re not getting any younger. Dante said that the hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who in time of crisis remain neutral, so I have spoken my piece, and thank you, dear reader. It’s a beautiful world, rain or shine, and there is more to life than winning.
—Garrison Keillor (b.1942) American Author, Humorist, Radio Personality
Advice should be viewed from behind.
—Swedish Proverb
The counsel you would have another keep, first keep yourself.
—Common Proverb
The best servants of the people, like the best valets, must whisper unpleasant truths in the master’s ear. It is the court fool, not the foolish courtier, whom the king can least afford to lose.
—Walter Lippmann (1889–1974) American Journalist, Political Commentator
Advice after injury is like medicine after death.
—Danish Proverb
The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, deserted by everybody. The greatest evil is the lack of love and charity, the terrible indifference towards one’s neighbor.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
Most people who ask for advice from others have already resolved to act as it pleases them.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-American Philosopher, Poet, Sculptor
Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
People who ask our advice almost never take it. Yet we should never refuse to give it, upon request, for it often helps us to see our own way more clearly.
—Brendan Behan (1923–64) Irish Poet, Novelist, Playwright
So act that your principle of action might safely be made a law for the whole world.
—Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) Prussian German Philosopher, Logician
Every man, however wise, needs the advice of some sagacious friend in the affairs of life.
—Plautus (Titus Maccius Plautus) (c.250–184 BCE) Roman Comic Playwright
I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career.
—Gloria Steinem (b.1934) American Feminist, Journalist, Activist, Political Advocate
While the doctors consult, the patient dies.
—English Proverb
Give neither advice nor salt, until you are asked for it.
—English Proverb
Let him who will not have advice have conflict.
—Irish Proverb
It never occurs to some politicians that Lincoln is worth imitating as well as quoting.
—Unknown
We are so happy to advise others that occasionally we even do it in their interest.
—Jules Renard (1864–1910) French Writer, Diarist
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