Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.
Interpretation
Advice can lead to unintended consequences, even when given with good intentions.
This quote by J. R. R. Tolkien emphasizes the potential risks involved in giving or receiving advice, no matter how wise the individuals may be. It suggests that even well-meaning counsel can lead to adverse outcomes, highlighting the complexity of human decision-making and the unpredictable nature of life.
In practice
In a discussion about the outcomes of giving advice during a counseling session.
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
Go not to the Elves for counsel,_x000D_ for they will say both no and yes._x000D_ Elves seldom give unguarded advice,_x000D_ for advice is a dangerous gift,_x000D_ even from the wise to the wise,_x000D_ and all courses may run ill.
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
Under the Mountain dark and tall The King has come unto his hall! His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread, And ever so his foes shall fall. The sword is sharp, the spear is long, The arrow swift, the Gate is strong; The heart is bold that looks on gold; The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong. The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fells like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells. -from The Hobbit (Dwarves Battle Song)
The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.
Alive without breath, As cold as death; Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
In difficult times carry something beautiful in your heart.
Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.
What is earnest is not always true; on the contrary error is often more earnest than truth.
Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.
Every person you meet has a lesson to teach, a story to tell and a dream to share.
You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge. But it can only emerge if something fundamental changes in your state of consciousness.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.