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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
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...
#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
#4
“Don’t weep for the stupid—you’ll be crying all day.” —Alexander Anderson, Hellsing Abridged
Final score:
52points
#6
“Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” —Abraham Lincoln
Final score:
43points
#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
#9
Only floss the teeth you want to keep.
Final score:
39points
#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
#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
#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.
#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.
#14
My mother: “Would you like it if someone did that to you? No? Well, don’t do it to them.”
Final score:
26points
#15
My mom’s best advice: “Don’t be stupid.” Usually delivered immediately after I’d done something stupid.
Final score:
23points
#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.
#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
#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
#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.
#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
azubi 2 months ago
Here's one wisdom I recently learned: Short sentences can hold more wisdom than a long story.
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.
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.
Igor914624 2 months ago
The absolute best piece of advice I ever got was from my father. I was trying to get my car to start after replacing the carburetor. I was busily trying to adjust the timing, and he said to me "What was the last thing you F**ked with?" My father almost never swore, so it stuck with me. Now whenever I am trobleshooting some issue at work, I can hear his voice saying it. And he is right 90% of the time.
Gavin Johnson 2 months ago
My advice to you? Do more of that, do less of the other, communicate with more people, communicate with less people, be calmer, be angrier, lead people, be a team member, go alone, go with others, stand up more, let things go, take it slowly, go faster, be kind to yourself, be your own critic, but most of all delete as applicable. But seriously, be more kind to yourself and others, you are all valuable.
PenguinEmp 2 months ago
Friends told me bp was littered with pop ups and paywalls and to not use it. The advice was don't bother with them anymore.
Littlemiss 2 months ago
Best advice was if you get into someone's head, make sure you have enough room to get back out. I was talking about degrees I wanted to get, and one was child psychology, my friend was reminded me that getting in to working out how someone acted was fine, just get back out and don't take everything on board.
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.
Igor914624 2 months ago
The absolute best piece of advice I ever got was from my father. I was trying to get my car to start after replacing the carburetor. I was busily trying to adjust the timing, and he said to me "What was the last thing you F**ked with?" My father almost never swore, so it stuck with me. Now whenever I am trobleshooting some issue at work, I can hear his voice saying it. And he is right 90% of the time.
Gavin Johnson 2 months ago
My advice to you? Do more of that, do less of the other, communicate with more people, communicate with less people, be calmer, be angrier, lead people, be a team member, go alone, go with others, stand up more, let things go, take it slowly, go faster, be kind to yourself, be your own critic, but most of all delete as applicable. But seriously, be more kind to yourself and others, you are all valuable.
PenguinEmp 2 months ago
Friends told me bp was littered with pop ups and paywalls and to not use it. The advice was don't bother with them anymore.
Littlemiss 2 months ago
Best advice was if you get into someone's head, make sure you have enough room to get back out. I was talking about degrees I wanted to get, and one was child psychology, my friend was reminded me that getting in to working out how someone acted was fine, just get back out and don't take everything on board.
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