When people are asked about advice, they often share it freely without reservation, much like how one might easily give away something of little value. The act of offering guidance or suggestions is so common that many do it without considering its true worth or impact on the recipient.
This statement delves deeper into human behavior and societal norms. It suggests that people are more inclined to offer advice when they feel it enhances their own self-importance or allows them to appear knowledgeable and helpful, even if the advice itself may not be valuable or practical for others. This can lead to a situation where individuals might overestimate the value of their opinions or insights, often believing their perspective is universally applicable or indispensable.
François de La Rochefoucauld was a 17th-century French author and memoirist known for his wit and sharp observations on human nature. His famous collection of maxims, "Réflexions ou Sentences et Maximes Morales" (Reflections; or, Moral Reflections and Maxims), is filled with cynical yet profound insights into the complexities of human behavior and relationships.