"I never take advice from anyone more messed up than I am"
About this Quote
Tom Hopkins’s statement, “I never take advice from anyone more messed up than I am,” reflects a nuanced approach to evaluating guidance and mentorship. At its core, this perspective places personal discernment above blind acceptance of counsel. It recognizes that not all sources of advice are equal; the state of the person offering guidance matters as much as the advice itself. In practical terms, the speaker is asserting the importance of considering the track record, stability, and life management skills of those from whom he seeks wisdom. If someone struggles more profoundly with issues such as organization, emotional health, relationships, or discipline, their recommendations may lack the credibility or practicality sought.
Implicit in this viewpoint is a call to self-assessment and responsibility. Before absorbing external opinions, one must honestly estimate both their own situation and that of the would-be adviser. It encourages personal growth and critical thinking, discouraging default reliance on authority or familiarity. There’s a subtle humor or irony present, since everyone is ‘messed up’ to some extent, but it points toward gravitating to role models who have demonstrated resilience and effective problem-solving. Judging the fitness of advice based on the adviser’s observable outcomes supports a pragmatic, results-oriented way of evaluating input.
There’s also an undercurrent of self-respect. Hopkins’s words assert boundaries, refusing to give undue influence to individuals who are less equipped to guide. That attitude fosters independence, emphasizing the value of learning from those who have navigated life’s difficulties successfully. It also subtly discourages arrogance: to benefit from guidance, one needs humility, but only in response to competencies one admires or wishes to emulate.
Overall, the sentiment channels wisdom through the filter of credibility. It’s a reminder to seek standards in one’s associations, to value discernment in accepting influence, and to cultivate connections that inspire progress rather than reinforce limitations.
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