Rule 23: SEEK ADVICE

Be shrewd in seeking advice. Advice is only as good as the person who seeks it.

Advice is one of the oldest currencies in human interaction. From ancient philosophers to modern influencers, societies have long valued the exchange of knowledge, insight, and guidance. Yet one crucial element is often overlooked: the quality of advice is not just determined by the giver, but by the discernment of the seeker. As the observation wisely notes, “Be shrewd in seeking advice. Advice is only as good as the person who seeks it.” This statement reveals a subtle but vital truth—that the wisdom of counsel depends as much on the judgment of the recipient as it does on the content or credibility of the source.

The Illusion of Good Advice

In the age of information, advice is abundant. It flows freely across social media, podcasts, TED talks, and self-help books. With just a few clicks, we can access thousands of voices claiming to have the answers to our problems. But herein lies the danger: not all advice is created equal, and even sound advice can be ill-suited if applied without context or self-awareness. The value of advice lies not solely in its content but in its alignment with the seeker’s goals, values, and unique circumstances.

A person lacking clarity about their own direction, motivations, or limitations may misinterpret or misapply even the most well-intentioned guidance. In contrast, someone who knows themselves well—who understands their position, strengths, and blind spots—can extract valuable insights even from flawed or conflicting advice. In this sense, seeking advice is less about finding the “right” answers and more about asking the right questions.

The Seeker’s Responsibility

Too often, we place the burden of wisdom solely on the shoulders of the adviser. But the seeker bears a responsibility too. Shrewdness in seeking advice means more than selecting experts; it involves discernment, skepticism, and introspection. It means evaluating the motives of those we consult, understanding the context of their experiences, and interpreting their counsel through the lens of our own situation.

Consider a business entrepreneur who asks a risk-averse accountant how to scale quickly or a creative professional who seeks advice from someone who values structure over spontaneity. Both may receive competent advice—yet it may be counterproductive if the seeker fails to recognize the mismatch in worldview. Shrewd seekers tailor their counsel networks to include diverse, relevant, and sometimes even contradictory perspectives, not to be swayed by them, but to triangulate their own judgments more effectively.

Advice and Self-Awareness

Ultimately, the power of advice lies in its integration. The act of seeking advice is not passive; it is an active, interpretive process. The more self-aware the seeker, the better they can filter, synthesize, and apply what they hear. In fact, the very process of seeking advice can be an exercise in self-discovery: whom we ask, what we ask, and how we respond to the answers reveal much about our own character.

In this light, shrewdness is not about cynicism or dismissiveness—it’s about thoughtful curation. It’s about knowing when to ask, whom to trust, and what to do with what you hear. Blindly following advice, even from a perceived expert, is no better than ignoring wisdom altogether.

In a world awash with advice, the art of seeking it wisely becomes a defining trait of maturity and intelligence. “Be shrewd in seeking advice. Advice is only as good as the person who seeks it.” This is not a warning against taking counsel but a reminder that good advice is not a shortcut to wisdom—it is a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the hands that wield it. The better you know yourself, the more value you can extract from the insights of others. Seek well. Choose wisely. Interpret shrewdly.