When we ask advice we are usually looking for an accomplice

When we ask advice we are usually looking for an accomplice

Charles Varlet de la Grange was a French writer and philosopher known for his sharp wit and insightful observations on human nature. One of his most famous quotes is, “When we ask advice we are usually looking for an accomplice.” This statement speaks to the inherent desire for validation and support that often underlies our requests for advice.

When we seek advice from others, we are often seeking reassurance that our own thoughts and feelings are valid. We want someone to agree with us, to tell us that we are making the right decision, or to provide us with the confidence we need to move forward. In this sense, we are looking for an accomplice – someone who will support us in our choices and help us feel justified in our actions.

However, seeking an accomplice in this way can be dangerous. It can lead us to seek out advice only from those who will tell us what we want to hear, rather than from those who may offer a more objective or critical perspective. This can result in us making decisions based on biased or incomplete information, rather than on a full understanding of the situation.

Furthermore, seeking an accomplice in this way can also prevent us from truly growing and learning from our experiences. If we only seek advice from those who agree with us, we may miss out on valuable insights and perspectives that could help us see things in a new light or make more informed decisions.