“Advice, First Law of: The correct advice to give is the advice that is desired” suggests that the most effective advice is the one that aligns with what the recipient already wants or believes. This is not to say that one should only tell people what they want to hear, but rather that advice is most likely to be heeded when it resonates with the individual’s existing desires or beliefs.
This quote implies that people are more likely to accept and act upon advice that aligns with their own worldview and desires. So, if advice goes against what a person wants or believes, it is less likely to be taken on board, regardless of its validity or usefulness.
Applying this to today’s world, it suggests that if we want to influence someone’s behavior or decision-making, we need to frame our advice in a way that aligns with their existing beliefs and desires. For example, if we want to persuade a friend to start exercising more for their health, instead of lecturing them about the dangers of inactivity, we might have more success by highlighting how exercise can help them achieve something they already want, such as looking good for a holiday or improving their performance in a sport they enjoy.
In terms of personal development, this quote might suggest that we are more likely to follow advice or adopt new habits that align with our existing goals and values. For example, someone who values family might be more likely to follow advice about work-life balance that emphasizes spending more time with loved ones, rather than advice that focuses on the negative impacts of overwork.
However, it’s important to note that while this approach might be more effective in getting people to accept advice, it doesn’t necessarily mean the advice is the best or most beneficial for the individual. Sometimes, people need to hear hard truths that don’t align with their current desires or beliefs. Thus, while the quote provides a useful strategy for making advice more palatable, it also highlights the potential limitations and ethical considerations of tailoring advice to what people want to hear.
