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About this quote

What does it mean?
People prefer confirmation of their views over actual advice.
In plain terms
People want others to agree with them instead of giving advice.
What can you take from it?
Seek feedback, not just agreement.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • self-improvement
  • relationships

Putting it to work

  • ask for honest feedback
  • recognize bias

Questions to consider

  • Why do people prefer agreement over advice?
  • When is corroboration actually needed?

Another view

Sometimes advice is indeed unwanted even when it is helpful.

More from John Steinbeck

  1. It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.

    Permalink to quote #71
  2. Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.

    Permalink to quote #73
  3. Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.

    Permalink to quote #70

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