It was the maxim, I think, of Alphonsus of Aragon, that…
“It was the maxim, I think, of Alphonsus of Aragon, that dead counsellors are safest. The grave puts an end to flattery and artifice, and the information we receive from books is pure from interest, fear, and ambition. Dead counsellors are likewise most instructive, because they are heard with patience and with reverence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dead advisors are safest because they cannot influence with motives; they offer pure, unbiased counsel.
In simple terms: Dead advisors give unbiased advice.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom from impartial sources.
Themes
wisdom
objectivity
history
learning
humility
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal decision‑making
- historical study
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance dead and living counsel?
- When is impartial advice most needed?
A Different Perspective
Living advisors also bring valuable lived experience.