People always think they know what is best Meaning Factcheck Usage

You know, it’s funny. People always think they know what is best for others, but they rarely have that same clarity for themselves. It’s a paradox we all live with, a kind of universal blind spot that Coelho just nails. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

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Table of Contents

• Meaning
• Explanation
• Origin & Factcheck
• Context
• Usage Examples
• FAQ

Meaning

At its core, this quote points to a fundamental human contradiction: we’re quick to diagnose the lives of others while being utterly confused about our own.

Explanation

Let me break this down for you. When we look at someone else’s situation, we’re looking at it from the outside. There’s no emotional baggage, no fear, no ego getting in the way. It’s clean. So we see the “obvious” solution. But when we turn that gaze inward? It’s a fog of self-doubt, justification, and conflicting desires. Our own stuff gets in the way. We’re too close to the canvas to see the painting. That’s the irony. We have 20/20 vision for other people’s paths and are practically blindfolded on our own. It’s not about intelligence; it’s about proximity.

Quote Summary

Context	Attributes
Original Language	Portuguese (369)
Category	Life (320)
Topics	judgment (32), self awareness (56), wisdom general (18)
Literary Style	philosophical (434)
Emotion / Mood	calm (491)
Overall Quote Score	84 (319)

Origin & Factcheck

This gem comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 2008 novel, The Winner Stands Alone. It’s a modern story set against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, exploring themes of obsession and success. You sometimes see this quote floating around unattributed or misattributed to other self-help gurus, but its true home is in this specific work of fiction.

Attribution Summary

Context	Attributes
Author	Paulo Coelho (368)
Source Type	Book (4032)
Source/Book Name	The Winner Stands Alone (55)
Origin Timeperiod	Contemporary (1615)
Original Language	Portuguese (369)
Authenticity	Verified (4032)

Where is this quotation located?

Quotation	People always think they know what is best for others, but rarely what is best for themselves
Book Details	Publication Year: 2008 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-175044-1; Latest Edition: Harper Perennial 2009; 368 pages.
Where is it?	Approximate page 184, Chapter: The Blind Advisor

Context

In the book, this line isn’t just philosophical musing. It’s woven into a narrative about people who are so busy trying to control, destroy, or “save” others in the name of love or ambition that they completely lose sight of their own moral compass and what would actually bring them peace. It’s a dark mirror held up to the characters’ souls.

Usage Examples

I find this quote incredibly practical. Think about it next time:

• In a team meeting: When a colleague is adamant about how another department “should” be operating, gently reminding the room that we should first perfect our own workflow. It shifts the focus from blame to responsibility.
• With a friend giving relentless advice: It’s a soft, non-confrontational way to say, “I appreciate your concern, but let’s both focus on our own gardens for a bit.”
• Personal reflection: As a mantra when you catch yourself obsessing over someone else’s life choices. It’s a prompt to turn the spotlight back on yourself and ask, “Okay, so what’s best for me right now?”

It’s perfect for managers, coaches, parents… honestly, anyone who has ever had an opinion about someone else’s life.

To whom it appeals?

Context	Attributes
Theme	Insight (71)
Audiences	leaders (2620), seekers (406), students (3112), writers (363)
Usage Context/Scenario	leadership training (259), life coaching (109), motivational essays (111), spiritual reflections (44)

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FAQ

Question: Is this quote saying we should never give advice?

Answer: Not at all. It’s more about the imbalance. It’s a caution against being a backseat driver in everyone’s life while your own car is parked in a ditch. Offer advice when asked, but prioritize understanding your own journey.

Question: Why is it so hard to know what’s best for ourselves?

Answer: Two big reasons: emotion and identity. Our decisions are clouded by fear of failure, what others will think, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. It’s messy internal work, unlike the clean, theoretical solutions we have for others.

Question: How can I get better at knowing what’s best for me?

Answer: Create distance. Journaling, meditation, or even just a long walk without your phone. You have to step back from your own thoughts to see them clearly. It’s the same principle as an artist stepping back from their easel.