Advice in old age is foolish. For what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach our journey’s end? — Marcus Tullius Cicero
How often do you ask for advice? How often do you give it? Do you always wait to be asked or are you a jump in and work the problem (anyone’s) sort? Was advice foisted on you as a child, unrequested and unwanted, or were you expected to figure things out on your own even though you were clearly struggling?
Like a Roman road buried deep and going forever, our advice tendencies (asking and giving) can feel eternal and inevitable, but like most things in life these behaviors are learned and modifiable. Also like a modern roads, they will direct our destination and our view unless we question the direction we’re heading. Sometimes an important outcome will be a direct result of advice received or advice ignored.
Write a short story or work up the outline of a book that begins with advice taken or advice ignored. What was the reason for the decision? Did the giver’s and receiver’s relationship change due to the advice given? Was the advice welcomed or resented? Who was right in the end?
If you already have a manuscript underway consider what advice has your character been given on their journey? Do they listen? Why or why not? Do they give other characters advice- and if so- is it good advice?