No one wants advice - only corroboration.

"No one wants advice—only corroboration." Thus spoke John Steinbeck, a teller of human frailty and strength, who knew the deep chambers of the heart. His words reveal a truth rarely confessed: men seek not the voice of correction, but the echo of their own desires. What they call counsel is often nothing more than a yearning to be affirmed, to have their chosen path blessed by another’s tongue. Advice challenges, but corroboration comforts.

The ancients knew this weakness well. Kings surrounded themselves with flatterers, craving the sweet balm of corroboration, while silencing the prophets who dared speak unwelcome advice. Pharaohs ignored warnings and built monuments to pride, while wise rulers listened to the counsel that pierced their vanity. Thus nations rose and fell, not for lack of wisdom spoken, but for lack of ears willing to hear.

Consider the fate of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon. When he ascended the throne, the people sought mercy in their burdens. His elders offered him sound advice: lighten the load, and loyalty will be yours. But the young king rejected it, choosing instead the corroboration of reckless youths who told him what he wished to hear. His harsh answer split his kingdom, and Israel was torn asunder. Here stands the ruin that follows when men despise true advice.

Steinbeck, living in the modern age, saw this same folly in everyday life. Friends ask for counsel, but bristle when the truth does not mirror their desires. Lovers, workers, leaders alike—most prefer to hear, “You are right,” rather than, “You are wrong.” Thus he laid bare the vanity of man: that we cloak our search for affirmation in the garb of seeking wisdom.

So let this wisdom endure: beware of your own heart when it seeks corroboration over advice. For the former is a mirror that flatters, but the latter is a sword that refines. Do not despise the word that wounds your pride, for in it may lie your salvation. The wise man does not crave agreement, but correction; the fool rejects every counsel but his own. Therefore, seek not the echo, but the truth, even when it cuts deep—for only then shall you grow in strength and wisdom.