Don’t trust anyone who says “follow your dreams” but don’t follow theirs. Advice is cheap. Look at what people DO, not what they SAY..
This quote is emphasizing the importance of actions over words and the notion that true wisdom and advice come from experience, not just rhetoric.
When someone says “follow your dreams” but does not practice that advice in their own life, it could mean that their words may not be grounded in personal experience. They might not truly understand the sacrifices, struggles, or challenges that come with pursuing a dream. The quote is suggesting that advice from such a person may not be as valuable or reliable as it seems.
“Advice is cheap” is a way of saying that anyone can give advice, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good or worth taking. It’s easy to tell someone what they should do, but it’s a lot harder to actually do it oneself.
“Look at what people DO, not what they SAY” reiterates this point by emphasizing that actions are a more accurate reflection of a person’s beliefs, values, and credibility than their words. It implies that you should look at how people live their own lives before deciding whether to take their advice.
In essence, the quote is saying that if you want valuable advice, look at the actions of those who give it. If their actions align with their words, their advice is likely worth considering. If there’s a discrepancy, it might be best to question the validity of their advice.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that aligns with the message of the quote can be found in the story of Henry Ford. As an early automotive industrialist, Ford’s experience epitomizes the concept of following one’s own dreams and acting instead of merely talking.
In the early 20th century, when automobiles were considered a luxury for the rich, Henry Ford dreamed of producing a reliable, affordable car for the mass market. Despite facing criticism and skepticism from others in the industry, including his own business associates who didn’t share or understand his vision, Ford pursued his dream and continually worked on improving his production methods.
He is known for saying, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” This aligns with the essence of the quote you provided. Ford didn’t simply talk about his plans; he put them into action. The result was the Model T, a car that revolutionized the automotive industry by being affordable and reliable for ordinary people, effectively turning automobiles from a luxury item into a practical commodity.
It is important to note, though, that while Ford pursued his own dreams, he also encouraged others to pursue theirs, making him a person who not only followed his own advice but also demonstrated through action the truth of his words.
The message in both the quote you provided and Ford’s story is clear: actions carry more weight than words, and it is crucial to examine what people do, not just what they say.
* If you’re seeking extra motivation and inspiration on your journey of personal growth, I recommend taking a look at my SMART growth goals page, This page offers thousands of goal ideas that can assist in the establishment of new aspirations and the attainment of greater heights in one’s life. In fact, it was instrumental in my creation of a list of 100 goals, which I pursued for a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
