Advice, Bad Advice, and Damned Advice

Advice, Bad Advice, and Damned Advice

Don Allen

Everyone gives advice, and almost everyone takes it now and then. Advice, though, is inherently incoherent, inconsistent, and inaccurate. Now and then, it can be critical. But even the stingiest, coldest, or most loving of us give it freely. A glossary follows but first consider a few examples.

· When you take advice, are you substituting another’s thinking for your own?

· Sometimes I wish I followed my own advice. But nooooo! I took someone else’s advice. Wrong.

· When you give advice and someone takes it, then are you not somewhat responsible for outcomes?

· There have been times I rejected good advice because I didn’t like who was giving it.

· Companies call in consultants to give advice, but the consultants seldom know the fine points of the business they are advising. People call in psychologists for the same reasons.

· Ministers and priests are always giving advice, but usually only once a week. Moms and dads give advice, every day if you allow.

· Schools have many professional advisors on life, but only a few have truly lived.

Glossary

Advice is a suggestion or recommendation offered by someone who should have more experience or knowledge than the person being advised. It can be given on any topic, from personal relationships to career decisions to financial matters.

Bad advice is any advice that is not based on sound reasoning or evidence. It can be advice that is harmful, misleading, or simply ineffective. Bad advice can come from anyone, including friends, family, celebrities, and even experts.

Damned advice is advice that is unhelpful, harmful, or even dangerous. It can be advice that is based on false information, outdated beliefs, or personal opinions. Damned advice can come from anyone, including friends, family, experts, and even strangers.

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