“Don’t trust a bricklayer in matters concerning gems” – Richest Man in Babylon
This quote from The Richest Man in Babylon has influenced me throughout my young professional life. It is invaluable advice. Think to yourself, how often have you listened to your uncle saying investing in real estate is “risky” even though he has never done it. How often do your friends give advice on getting rich or investing yet they aren’t rich or barely invested themselves?
As humans, we tend to give credit to unsolicited advice, especially when its family members or friends. We don’t verify the source. This is what the quote is getting at, make sure they have worked or attempted the area before you willy nilly take their advice.
This doesn’t mean you have to ignore it, weight the advice appropriately. Similarly to how in Principals how Ray Dalio talks about meritocracy, make sure whoever gives you information, family member, or friend. Do not take that as gospel, just a suggestion to be weighed depending on their experience.