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I lay very little stress either upon asking or giving…

“I lay very little stress either upon asking or giving advice. Generally speaking, they who ask advice know what they wish to do, and remain firm to their intentions. A man may allow himself to be enlightened on various points, even upon matters of expediency and duty; but, after all, he must…” quote by Wilhelm von Humboldt
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“I lay very little stress either upon asking or giving advice. Generally speaking, they who ask advice know what they wish to do, and remain firm to their intentions. A man may allow himself to be enlightened on various points, even upon matters of expediency and duty; but, after all, he must determine his course of action, for himself.”

Wilhelm von Humboldt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advice is secondary to personal resolve; one must decide and act independently.

In simple terms: Decide yourself, not rely on advice.

Key Takeaway

Trust your own judgment.

Themes

autonomy decision-making self-reliance

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • ethical dilemmas
  • personal projects

Key Concepts

existentialism pragmatism

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it wise to seek advice?
  • How do you balance confidence with humility?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring useful counsel can lead to blind spots.

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