“The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.”
Explanation
In this witty remark, Oscar Wilde humorously comments on the uselessness of good advice when it comes to applying it to one’s own life. Wilde suggests that while people are often quick to offer helpful guidance to others, they rarely follow the advice they themselves give. The irony lies in the idea that good advice is often more beneficial to others than to the person offering it, because the very nature of giving advice implies a detachment from the personal need for it. It points to the human tendency to recognize solutions for others while struggling to act on the same insights in our own lives.
Wilde’s words reflect his characteristic satire on human nature. They highlight the disconnect between theory and practice, showing how easy it can be to offer wisdom to others while failing to apply it to oneself. It also touches on the reluctance or resistance people often feel when it comes to actually following sound advice, despite knowing it could be useful. Wilde’s humor here underscores the idea that while people may be great at giving advice, they are often blind to the need to follow it themselves.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the way self-help books, well-meaning advice from friends, and life coaches can often be more effective for others than for ourselves. It reminds us of the challenges of applying advice in our own lives and encourages us to be mindful and humble in recognizing that what works for others may not always be the easiest path to follow ourselves. Wilde’s words offer a humorous reflection on human behavior and the complexity of applying wisdom in practice.
