Advising is Mostly Telling People What They Already Know

I am coming around to the view that advice is mostly telling people what they already know but need to hear from you. Not all advice, but a lot of it and definitely most of the advice I have dispensed in my life. Those who think of ourselves as wise people should keep that in mind. That doesn't make advice pointless. Our belief in our truths is not unshakeable--it helps to have it reinforced by our well-wishers. And sometimes we need well-wishers to shine a light on truths we are trying to hide from. Yes, sometimes, it is possible to bring your perspective and experience and offer something new. But, chances are, if it is a vexing problem, the concerned person has already thought about it. So, this is a call for greater humility from people who think of themselves as wise, because there is no such thing as too much humility.