The only thing it takes to give advice is a mouth (or other means of communication) and a willingness to use it. Anyone can give advice and many people are all too willing to listen to anyone and everyone who gives it. It is key that before any advice is listened to and followed, we must consider the source. Once we've considered the source, we need to evaluate the validity of the message and the motives of the adviser. I believe one of the most worthwhile purposes of our educational system today isn't teaching facts, dates, names and other "trivia". I believe the most worthwhile thing someone should get out of an education is the ability and willingness to learn. It has been said that teaching is not merely spewing forth knowledge, but rather true teaching is inspiring the student to learn.
With that, here's some history I was reminded of recently in a message from Phil Humbert:
