“Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.”
- September 15, 1890 – January 12, 1976
- British
- Author
- The detective novel series (such as “And Then There Were None”) featuring the fictional detectives “Hercule Poirot” and “Miss Marple” became a worldwide hit.
Quote
“Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that’s no reason not to give it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Agatha Christie humorously acknowledges the often unheeded nature of good advice. She recognizes that even when advice is well-intentioned, wise, and sound, people tend to ignore it for various reasons—whether out of stubbornness, pride, or the desire to make their own mistakes. Despite this, Christie suggests that offering advice is still important, even if it doesn’t always lead to the desired outcome. The value of giving sound counsel lies in the act of sharing wisdom, regardless of whether it is accepted or not.
Christie’s own works often contain characters who, despite being warned or given advice, proceed to make poor decisions. In novels like Murder on the Orient Express or The Secret Adversary, characters sometimes disregard good counsel, which leads to tragic consequences. Christie’s characters often ignore or dismiss warnings at their own peril, reflecting the human tendency to reject guidance in favor of personal will. For Christie, this quote reflects her understanding of the human psychological condition—that people often prefer to learn through their own experiences, even if it means making mistakes.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate, especially in contexts where people ignore expert advice or fail to heed warnings in areas such as health, finance, or relationships. Despite widespread education and guidance, individuals often resist change or reject advice, believing they know better. In today’s age of information overload, people frequently ignore good advice from trusted sources, only to face negative consequences later. Christie’s words encourage the persistence of offering advice, even in the face of inevitable rejection, as the act of sharing wisdom remains valuable—even if it’s not always embraced.
