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About this quote

What does it mean?
People freely offer lots of advice but rarely follow it themselves.
In plain terms
Advice is given easily but taken sparingly.
What can you take from it?
Be critical of the advice you give and receive.

Where it applies

  • mentoring
  • conflict resolution
  • self-improvement

Putting it to work

  • evaluate advice before acting
  • reflect on your own adherence

Questions to consider

  • Do you follow your own advice?
  • Why is advice so easy to give?

Another view

This generalization overlooks instances where people both give and follow advice consistently.

More from Tom Stoppard

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  2. Good things, when short, are twice as good.

    Permalink to quote #73
  3. Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them.

    Permalink to quote #70

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