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“What’s The Best Advice You’ve Ever Heard?”: 21 Funny, Practical, And Heartfelt Answers
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Good advice has a way of sticking with us. Sometimes it’s a quick line we heard as kids, other times it’s a lesson passed down through experience. Whether it comes from parents, mentors, friends, or even strangers, the right words at the right time can shape how we see the world—and often stay with us for life.
So, I asked the Bored Panda community to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received and who it came from. Some are practical, some are heartfelt, and others are so simple they feel almost genius. My grandfather told me, when I was a late teenager, never to buy the cheapest or the most expensive item. Always go for the middle option—you’ll find better quality and spend much less using this method. You get what you pay for.
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#1
Never argue with an idiot—they will only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Final score:
72points
WindySwede 2 months ago
though the when they go low, we go high, didnt work? 😶
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Crystalwitch60 2 months ago
Or my fav is , my level of sarcasm depends on your level of stupidity
Rick Murray 2 months ago
Don't argue with an idiot, because if you are trying to use logic and the other doesn't appear to know what logic is, you're in for a headache.
RELATED:
#2
I don’t know about the best advice in general, but the best work-related advice I ever received came from my supervisor. It was over 40 years ago, so I don’t remember it word for word, but this is pretty close: ‘Don’t ever present your boss with a problem without also putting forth at least one possible solution.’
Final score:
59points
Anonymouse 2 months ago
My first boss, asked me, "How long are you going to blame your parents for your life choices?" It was mind blowing as I realized I could choose to live my life differently - had never even thought about that before...
KatSaidWhat 2 months ago
It wasn't my boss but a friend who said similar. I was an adult making bad decisions - they lived on a different continent, really wasn't their fault.
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Uncle Panda 2 months ago
My first real boss had to finish some work my parents never got around to. Thanks George.
Rick Murray 2 months ago
One of my bosses was like "DON'T BRING ME PROBLEMS, BRING ME SOLUTIONS!" (in a very Margaret Thatcher voice) and she didn't like it when we all pointed out that as the "manager", finding solutions was actually her job, not ours.
#3
“If you want to know what people are really like, listen to how they act, not what they say.” —My grandad
Final score:
53points
Geoffrey Scott 2 months ago
Was asked recently if I wanted to come back and sub at my former job as school custodian. "Nope!" .."Why?".."Who would I be working for?".."Same boss as before".."He's the reason I retired at 62". "But doesn't he praise all his people?" "Talk is cheap, actions speak louder".
#4
“Don’t weep for the stupid—you’ll be crying all day.” —Alexander Anderson, Hellsing Abridged
Final score:
52points
#5
Statistically, it can’t all be your fault.
Final score:
45points
azubi 2 months ago
Sorry, but in an infinite universe, this also must apply to someone. Why not you?
#6
“Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” —Abraham Lincoln
Final score:
43points
Wasif Ali 2 months ago
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my first manager: “Don’t chase perfection, chase progress.” At the time, I used to overthink every little detail, which slowed me down. That reminder taught me that growth and momentum matter more than being flawless. It’s stuck with me ever since — and honestly, it’s saved me a lot of stress.
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 2 months ago
Now why did the name Trump come to mind when I read your comment?
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#7
“The keys to happiness are low expectations and a short-term memory.”
—My dear friend Garret (still miss you, G.)
Said in jest, yet totally accurate.
Final score:
40points
#8
Some years ago, I spoke with a homeless gentleman who came to the food bank where I was volunteering. He said two things that have stuck with me to this day.
The first was: “The average person is just one or two paychecks away from being homeless.”
The second was: “It is the curse of man that, given enough time, the oppressed will, in turn, become the oppressors.”
Final score:
39points
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
It is key in politics to remember that to himself each man is ahero.
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Cosmos in your eyes 2 months ago
Or as one of my favorite youtube philosophers (Britt Hartley) said: "eventually the rebels become the empire."
Crystalwitch60 2 months ago
There by the grace of god (as dont exist ) go you ! Ligit fact , so never but never look down on the homeless,cos one day it could be you !!
#9
Only floss the teeth you want to keep.
Final score:
39points
CD King 2 months ago
I can’t believe certain people on the internet are telling you not to floss. Bad dental hygiene ends up being very expensive and painful in the long run. Brush and floss people
Cosmos in your eyes 2 months ago
Y'all...I have sensitive teeth. Then I started flossing every day. Boom: sensitivity gone. Like a miracle! I gave my dental hygenist flowers next time I saw her and even cried a little due to the emotion.
#10
Never write an email, message, or anything—whether professional or personal—while in a furious or angry mindset and send it immediately.
Sleep on it. The next morning, you’ll almost certainly rewrite the text, responding with more clarity and removing the parts that aren’t truly relevant to the message you want to convey.
Final score:
38points
Niels AirMax 2 months ago
Don't send drunk texts either. Put a post-it with the word "No!" on my Mac to prevent me from doing that. Actually true! 😂
Uncle Panda 2 months ago
Never mail a letter while angry, never sign a contract while filled with joy ~ Old Chinese saying
Rali Meyer 2 months ago
clearly deleted cos it was written in anger. Or after two glasses of chardonnay
Load More Replies... Yrral Spavit 2 months ago
Write in notepad or sum-such. You get to vent and you can't hit 'send' on purpose or by accident.
Pferdchen 2 months ago
I said the same thing to my favorite bartender once the general public started getting access to e-mail. I explained that it can easily become a negative feedback loop, you can end up getting angrier and angrier and the e-mail becomes nuclear overkill. He didn't seem to quite get it since the advice came out of left-field but, a month or two later, he told me I was so right.
Crystalwitch60 2 months ago
Hmm depends if you do drunk, however , when your angry , people always say what they really mean , n at times that’s very much called for ,
Papa 2 months ago
Saying what you really mean at the time is often something you will regret saying when you've calmed down.
Load More Replies... #11
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received came from right here on Bored Panda:
“A year from now, you’ll wish you had started a year ago.”
Final score:
36points
Janet Sparrow 2 months ago
I agree. Whenever someone says to me, I’d like to go to law school, but it’s gonna take too long. My reply is four years is gonna go by whether you go to law school or not so you might as well go to law school.
BrownEyedGrrl 2 months ago
My son: "But I'll be 40 years old when I finish college!" Me: "How old will you be if you don't go?"
#12
You can’t control how people act; you can only control how you react to them.
Final score:
33points
Child of the Stars 2 months ago
This and "I control my actions, not the outcome" have been hugely useful to me.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
And you are never responsible for other's emotions or reactions. Those are on them.
Dar Mal 2 months ago
My work (school district) tried to apply this "philosophy" to mean operations and policy, too. Essentially, telling us that if we were upset due to a change or alteration in policy, it wasn't the change that made us upset; we were just reacting in a negative manner. (Or some BS). (Teachers went union, admin pulled every benefit and replaced with stricter rules and subpar benefits, all the while using the money saved to gift themselves bonuses.)
#13
“You are responsible for your happiness.”
My high school principal said this at the graduation ceremony. It has stuck with me ever since, especially during harder times. The world may not be a kind place, but I just need to keep a smile despite it.
Final score:
27points
Michael Largey 2 months ago
Whenever a principal was unhappy with me, strangely they always claimed it was me who was responsible.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago (edited)
"I'm not happy with you right now, DO you know why?" is a jerk question.
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Lesley Shore 2 months ago
I was once a very happy person. Our family has been stricken with cancer, death, more illness, more death, medical bills that have stretched for most our married lives, cancer again. At some point it is too much. I thought I was unbeatable-I was wrong. I also have a hard time believing that any children in third world countries who are trafficked have any say in their happiness. Not to minimize our ability to seek happiness but understand a smile can hide a lot
Beak Hookage 2 months ago
"I'm responsible for my own happiness? I can't even be responsible for my own breakfast!"
#14
My mother: “Would you like it if someone did that to you? No? Well, don’t do it to them.”
Final score:
26points
Vermonta 2 months ago
The golden rule that was written on our wooden rulers in grade school. - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - They should have handed those out in Jr. High.
Michael Largey 2 months ago
"Do not do undo others as you would have them do unto you. Their tastes may differ." - George Bernard Shaw
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Gavin Johnson 2 months ago
But I’d LIKE them to do that to me. Whatcha gonna do about that idea?
Auntriarch (Submission author) 2 months ago (edited)
Shaw's Amendment to Mum's Law applies here, as Michael pointed out.
Load More Replies... #15
My mom’s best advice: “Don’t be stupid.” Usually delivered immediately after I’d done something stupid.
Final score:
23points
Michael Largey 2 months ago
Whose presidency was based on the slogan "Don't do stupid stuff."?
Multa Nocte 2 months ago
I can tell you whose WASN'T based on that slogan. ;-)
Load More Replies... #16
My grandmother, born in the 1920s, once said in response to some moralistic voices raised against women:
“Better to have many boyfriends than a serious illness. The boyfriends you can get rid of if you want to… but an illness is much harder to shake off.”
Final score:
23points
Anyone-for-tea? 2 months ago
Haha, how true. You definitely should appreciate your health while you have it. I miss being able to move my body when I want to, how I want to, and with very few consequences.
Stacy Carroll 2 months ago
Anyone_For_Tea, you are most certainly correct. Most people take their health for granted. But, I think "Illness" in this context means "Husband".
Load More Replies... #17
“As much fun as it may seem at the time, don’t ever headbang.”
—Advice I’d give my younger self, from me now, many years later, with serious neck pain and cluster headache issues.
Final score:
22points
Uncle Panda 2 months ago
I was lucky, I guess. Headbanging always gave me a headache so it was a 20 second phenomena in my life.
Gavin Johnson 2 months ago
I’d tell you to be at MORE gigs that make you WANT to headbang, dance, be free, whatever. Just be at the gig.
B (Submission author) 2 months ago (edited)
Oh, I was at the gig. RATM, Rammstein, Pearl Jam, Devin Townsend, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, In Flames... to name just a few in recent-ish memory. Gigs, plus ten years of headbanging pretty much every night of the week in clubs (not headNODDING, but the ends of my hair literally sweeping the floor), and then clubs and parties and more gigs on and off for the following ten years or so. That and years of slam dancing has done me in. Great times and unforgettable memories, but man I'd calm it on the actual neck-wrenching action if I could go back and do it all over again.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 2 months ago
Likely why I’ve got arthritis of the neck now , 🤦♀️😂( combined with all my discs in my back being out neck to base ,n two broken back) but I’m sure head banging in my biker days defo DID NOT HELP 😂
Rali Meyer 2 months ago
didn't hurt me. Probably cured by the neck-snapping acceleration of my car!
#18
“You can’t be true to someone else if you’re not true to yourself.” —Me, to myself, when my first marriage collapsed after eight years of trying to please her and be what I thought she wanted.
Final score:
17points
The Cute Cat 2 months ago
Key of happy marriage is to found someone that you feel good enough and she/he also feel you are good enough.. The first day when you (or your spouse) want more is the first day of hell.
#19
“Unless they pay your bills, their opinion doesn’t count.” —Me
Final score:
15points
Phantom Phoenix 2 months ago
Similarly: If you wouldn't ask their advice, don't accept their criticism. - several people, varying versions over the years.
Crystalwitch60 2 months ago
100% or in order to offend me I must first value your opinion nice try though
#20
Walking with my husband, complaining about the neighbors—wishing this would happen or that… he says, “Why not wish for them to be better people?”
Final score:
12points
Michael Largey 2 months ago
Bad things happening to bad people is a much more probable hope than bad people becoming better people.
#21
It’s early morning on Valentine’s Day. I had just finished cooking breakfast for myself and my boyfriend, who I was expecting,so we could enjoy our Valentine’s Day meal together before heading to work.
He shows up… but doesn’t come in. I ask, “Okay… what’s up?” He looks at his feet and proceeds to dump me on Valentine’s Day. He leaves. I’m stunned, to say the least. I forget about the food I just cooked and head off to work.
When I get to work, my boss arrives. She notices something’s wrong and asks me about it. I told her what happened, and that’s when I just bawled. She comforts me enough so I’m not a complete sniveling mess. I work my shift, and just as I’m about to leave, she says, “Hold on—I want to talk to you first.” She hands me some money and says:
“Here’s an advance, and here’s an extra $50. I want you to go down to the florist, buy yourself some long-stem roses, find a card, and write something beautiful and nice to yourself. Forget about that loser! Do this for yourself, and report back to me in the morning.”
I promised I would, thanked her, and went to the florist. I bought a dozen long-stem roses and a nice card, then walked to my best friend’s apartment. At first, she didn’t see me because she was in the bathroom doing her hair and makeup. When she came into the front room, she exclaimed, “OH HONEY! Who bought you these?”
I replied, “I dunno… they didn’t sign the card.”
Bestie: “You’ve got a secret admirer?!”
Me (trying to keep a straight face): “Um… yeah, I guess I do.”
The next day at work, my boss asks, “So, what did you do last night?” I handed her the unsigned card and told her the story—how my bestie was chiming in, “—’s got a secret admirer!”
Thank you, Renate (Boss)
The moral/advice: Do for yourself. Don’t expect people in your life to do anything for you. Do for yourself, because if you don’t, nobody else will either.
Final score:
10points
What do you think ?
Wasif Ali 2 months ago
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my first manager: “Don’t chase perfection, chase progress.” At the time, I used to overthink every little detail, which slowed me down. That reminder taught me that growth and momentum matter more than being flawless. It’s stuck with me ever since — and honestly, it’s saved me a lot of stress.
Bananaramamama 2 months ago (edited)
They include this a lot in a*******n recovery. That the goal isn't perfection but progress. It helps especially when people have slip ups. It doesn't mean you have to go back to a start point, you just need to acknowledge it and learn from it. Then pull yourself back up. Edit: apparently I can't say a-d-d-i-c-t-i-o-n.
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Bananaramamama 2 months ago (edited)
"Occasionally in life you have to pay a bill you don't owe". I have heard it twice in my life. When I was young I felt it was ridiculous and about just being a doormat. But when I heard it again later, after many years of marriage and raising kids, I realized it was more about humility. Sometimes you have to be the first to apologize, or recognize that de-escalating a toxic situation is more important than being right, even if you know you are. It is a weird concept, but being able to see the long term benefits of humbling yourself is important
Igor914624 2 months ago
I heard this as "You can be right, or you can keep your friendship."
Load More Replies... CD King 2 months ago
All those things that your mom told you are true. With age comes wisdom, so listen to their advice…. Yes, your boyfriend is a loser, yes, school was some of the best years and offered an amazing opportunity to explore your interests… yes, starting to save now will help a lot in the future… etc…. I wish I had listened more back then.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
School wasn't the best time of my life, it was one of the broadest, and I think that was why we remember it the way we do - it was a buffet of experience that happens rarely.
Load More Replies... Uncle Panda 2 months ago
"If you don't want to take on a client, set the hourly rate so high that you smile when they ring your phone."
geraldrboyle@aol.com 2 months ago
The final lecture by the Professor of Chemical Engineering ended with this advice to the class: "Whatever career you chose, don't go into teaching". Those who did said he was absolutely right.
Rick Murray 2 months ago
When your boss raises his voice, lower yours. It's not about being meek. It's about not rising to the challenge he is throwing down of getting into a screaming match. Just speak calmly, carefully, and don't take the bait. If he doesn't take the hint, very calmly suggest that he may want to leave and return when he is able to discuss the problem in the manner expected of a professional of his stature. He'll either realise he is embarrassing himself, or he'll shout something really rude and stomp off with dramatic door slams, which again, makes him seem like the tantrum child.
Mark Childers 2 months ago
I have several: 1) stop watching fox "news;" 2) stop listening to politicians telling obvious lies; 3) start listening to scientists and medical professionals; 4) stop homeschooling and send kids to public schools; 5) gun control.... The list is too long, and I'm getting tired.
Yrral Spavit 2 months ago
Had a Sgt-major who had a note on his door. Can't recall it exactly but it said that if you wanted to see how important you were to get a bucket of water and splash around in it with your hand as much as you wanted. Then take your hand out and see how much the bucket remembered you and your actions.
Wasif Ali 2 months ago
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my first manager: “Don’t chase perfection, chase progress.” At the time, I used to overthink every little detail, which slowed me down. That reminder taught me that growth and momentum matter more than being flawless. It’s stuck with me ever since — and honestly, it’s saved me a lot of stress.
Bananaramamama 2 months ago (edited)
They include this a lot in a*******n recovery. That the goal isn't perfection but progress. It helps especially when people have slip ups. It doesn't mean you have to go back to a start point, you just need to acknowledge it and learn from it. Then pull yourself back up. Edit: apparently I can't say a-d-d-i-c-t-i-o-n.
Load More Replies... Bananaramamama 2 months ago (edited)
"Occasionally in life you have to pay a bill you don't owe". I have heard it twice in my life. When I was young I felt it was ridiculous and about just being a doormat. But when I heard it again later, after many years of marriage and raising kids, I realized it was more about humility. Sometimes you have to be the first to apologize, or recognize that de-escalating a toxic situation is more important than being right, even if you know you are. It is a weird concept, but being able to see the long term benefits of humbling yourself is important
Igor914624 2 months ago
I heard this as "You can be right, or you can keep your friendship."
Load More Replies... CD King 2 months ago
All those things that your mom told you are true. With age comes wisdom, so listen to their advice…. Yes, your boyfriend is a loser, yes, school was some of the best years and offered an amazing opportunity to explore your interests… yes, starting to save now will help a lot in the future… etc…. I wish I had listened more back then.
Lee Gilliland 2 months ago
School wasn't the best time of my life, it was one of the broadest, and I think that was why we remember it the way we do - it was a buffet of experience that happens rarely.
Load More Replies... Uncle Panda 2 months ago
"If you don't want to take on a client, set the hourly rate so high that you smile when they ring your phone."
geraldrboyle@aol.com 2 months ago
The final lecture by the Professor of Chemical Engineering ended with this advice to the class: "Whatever career you chose, don't go into teaching". Those who did said he was absolutely right.
Rick Murray 2 months ago
When your boss raises his voice, lower yours. It's not about being meek. It's about not rising to the challenge he is throwing down of getting into a screaming match. Just speak calmly, carefully, and don't take the bait. If he doesn't take the hint, very calmly suggest that he may want to leave and return when he is able to discuss the problem in the manner expected of a professional of his stature. He'll either realise he is embarrassing himself, or he'll shout something really rude and stomp off with dramatic door slams, which again, makes him seem like the tantrum child.
Mark Childers 2 months ago
I have several: 1) stop watching fox "news;" 2) stop listening to politicians telling obvious lies; 3) start listening to scientists and medical professionals; 4) stop homeschooling and send kids to public schools; 5) gun control.... The list is too long, and I'm getting tired.
Yrral Spavit 2 months ago
Had a Sgt-major who had a note on his door. Can't recall it exactly but it said that if you wanted to see how important you were to get a bucket of water and splash around in it with your hand as much as you wanted. Then take your hand out and see how much the bucket remembered you and your actions.
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