"Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example"
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
About this Quote
This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that as people age, they end up being wiser and more knowledgeable, and are for that reason most likely to give great guidance. This is due to the fact that they have actually seen the consequences of bad decisions and are less most likely to make them themselves. The quote implies that when somebody is young, they are more likely to make bad decisions and set a bad example, however as they get older, they become more familiar with the consequences of their actions and are most likely to give great advice. This quote likewise recommends that the recommendations of an older individual ought to be taken more seriously than that of a younger individual, as they have more experience and knowledge. Ultimately, this quote is a suggestion that age brings knowledge, and that the guidance of an older individual must be taken seriously.