That there is something in advice very useful and salutary, seems to be equally confessed on all hands; since even those that reject it, allow for the most part that rejection to be wrong, but charge the fault upon the unskilful manner in which it is given; they admit the efficacy of the medicine, but abhor the nauseousness of the vehicle.
Interpretation
Advice can be beneficial, yet its delivery often affects how it is received.
This quote by Samuel Johnson highlights the duality of advice; while it is generally recognized as helpful, the way it is presented can lead to rejection. People may agree on the value of the counsel but often criticize its delivery, likening good advice to a beneficial medicine that is unpleasant due to its taste or method of administration.
In practice
During a team meeting, I referenced this quote to emphasize the importance of how we present our suggestions.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
Grace arrived, like the big, loopy stitches with which a grandmotherly stranger might baste your hem temporarily.
Affirmations are like seed planted in soil. Poor soil, poor growth. Rich soil, abundant growth. The more you choose to think thoughts that make you feel good, the quicker the affirmations work.
I daren't come and drink," said Jill. Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion. Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer."I suppose I must go and look for another stream then." There is no other stream," said the Lion.
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
For what it’s worth: trust your feelings. I can’t promise that you’ll never get hurt again, but I can promise you the risk is worth it.
The librarians were mysterious. It was said they could tell what book you needed just by looking at you, and they could take your voice away with a word.
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