What is the best advice your father ever gave you?
The best advice that people have received from their fathers is diverse and reflective of various life lessons and values. Here are some notable examples:
Choose Your Own Friends
Several individuals emphasized the importance of selecting your own friends rather than letting friends choose you. This advice helps in forming healthier, happier relationships and ensures that you surround yourself with people who positively influence your life23.
Do What You Love
Many fathers advised their children to pursue their passions and do what they love. This advice encourages individuals to find fulfillment and success in their chosen paths, even if it means starting with no money or reputation23.
Be Kind and Empathetic
The importance of kindness and understanding was a common theme. Fathers taught their children to be kind, as you never know what others are going through, and to give people the benefit of the doubt2.
Live in the Present
One piece of advice was to live in the present and not be overly concerned about the future. A quote from Allen Saunders, "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans," was particularly influential in this regard2.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Fathers also advised their children to work smarter rather than harder, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and strategic thinking1.
Ask Questions and Seek Knowledge
Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking, some fathers advised their children to question things and seek knowledge for themselves. This helps in developing a healthy thirst for knowledge and making informed decisions2.
Invest in Yourself
The advice to invest in oneself, whether through education, skills development, or personal well-being, was highlighted as crucial for personal growth and confidence3.
It’s Not Where You Go, But What You Do When You Get There
This advice, particularly relevant during times of significant decision-making like college admissions, emphasizes that the outcome is more important than the initial choice3.
Don’t Wear a Mask
The advice to be true to oneself and not pretend to be someone else was also mentioned. This helps in building self-acceptance and resisting peer pressure3.
Always Think About Your Impact on the World
Fathers also instilled the value of making the world a better place, encouraging their children to consider how their actions impact others and the world at large2.
These pieces of advice reflect a wide range of values and life lessons that fathers have passed down to their children, each with its own unique impact and significance.