To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.

The giving of advice is like the casting of seeds upon the earth. Many scatter words of counsel freely, believing that wisdom lies in speaking. Yet as Wilson Mizner declared, “To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.” For while the act of offering guidance is simple, the act of receiving, understanding, and acting upon that guidance is a far greater challenge. It is not the abundance of seeds that brings forth the harvest, but the care of the soil and the skill of the farmer.

To profit from good advice demands humility. The heart must be willing to listen without pride, to set aside its own desires and judgments. Many hear wise words yet reject them, clinging instead to their own illusions. True wisdom lies not merely in hearing, but in discerning which advice is just and having the courage to act upon it. This is why the disciple must sometimes surpass the teacher—not in knowledge, but in perseverance and faithfulness to the path revealed.

History provides a profound example in the life of Alexander the Great. He was guided by the great philosopher Aristotle, whose teachings shaped his understanding of leadership, ethics, and the nature of the world. Many rulers have been surrounded by brilliant minds, yet few have truly absorbed their counsel. Alexander, however, listened deeply and applied that advice with vision and boldness. It was this union of mentorship and action that allowed him to conquer vast lands and spread Greek culture across the known world. Without his wisdom to heed Aristotle’s words, Alexander might have been no more than a reckless warrior.

Conversely, there are countless tales of kings and leaders who were surrounded by sages yet perished because they scorned their counsel. The last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI, was warned of the overwhelming power of the Ottoman forces before the fall of Constantinople. Though advised to seek alliances and prepare defenses differently, he refused to fully heed the warnings. His bravery was unquestionable, but his unwillingness to profit from good advice led to the destruction of an empire that had lasted over a thousand years.

Thus, let this lesson be etched upon the hearts of all who seek greatness: giving advice may make one appear wise, but receiving and acting upon advice is the true mark of a sage. Listen with humility, discern with clarity, and act with courage. For only those who cultivate their inner soil can transform words into deeds and guidance into glory. In this way, the wisdom of many becomes the strength of one, and the counsel of the past becomes the foundation of a brighter future.