Why bother trying to impart wisdom?

Let’s make the same mistakes over and over again.

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

“Do as I say, not as I do.”

That was one of the pieces of advice I remember my Dad giving me when I was younger. It was his way of empowering himself by removing meaning of some of the things he did, so we couldn’t call him out on them. It didn’t work!

However, it made a very profound point though, as more often than not, the advice we give others has come from our own mistakes. If only we could do as people said, instead of as they do, we’d be far better off, surely?

Ultimately, I do feel like, for the best part, I have tried to do as he suggested, rather than as he did, but there are still numerous times where I’ve ignored people’s advice which more often than not, did actually come from the best place.

So why don’t we listen?

Study harder, don’t smoke or do drugs, wear a condom

Throughout our schooling we are bombarded with commands, routine and rules. Many teachers cannot cope if you do not conform, and will lash out with punishments. Those who do not conform are seen as naughty or rebellious, yet as an adult, may be called strong-willed and individual instead. No wonder kids are constantly ‘getting worse’ with…