Lewis Carroll: 'She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it).'

She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it).

In Lewis Carroll's famous novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, he writes, "She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it)." This quote, although simple in its phrasing, carries a profound meaning that resonates with many of us. It highlights the universal tendency to possess wisdom and understanding, yet struggle to apply it in our own lives.On the surface, the quote conveys the idea that people often have valuable insights and knowledge about what is right or what should be done, but frequently fail to act accordingly. This notion speaks to our human nature in which rational thinking often clashes with our emotions, desires, and external pressures. We find ourselves caught in a perpetual cycle of knowing what we should do, but lacking the will or courage to actually follow through.However, to delve deeper into the philosophical implications of this quote, let's introduce the concept of the "duality of self." This concept suggests that within each individual, there exist multiple aspects or selves that are constantly vying for control. We can envision these selves as distinct entities within our minds, each possessing its own desires, fears, and judgments. The "advice-giving self" represents our rational and logical side, while the "self-ignoring advice" embodies our impulsive and emotional nature.The duality of self theory suggests that when faced with making decisions or choosing a course of action, these two selves engage in an internal battle. The advice-giving self, armed with reason and wisdom, presents us with the best possible course of action, urging us to make choices that align with our long-term goals and values. However, the self-ignoring advice, driven by immediate gratification and biases, often prevails, leading us astray from what we know to be right.To better understand this internal struggle, consider a situation familiar to many - the ever-present battle between sticking to a healthy diet or indulging in a delicious but unhealthy meal. Our advice-giving self reminds us of the long-term benefits of a nutritious diet, such as improved health and increased energy levels. Yet, more often than not, we find ourselves swayed by the self-ignoring advice, surrendering to the temptation of instant gratification brought on by that tantalizing slice of pizza.While the duality of self may seem like a mere psychological construct, it reflects a deeper truth about the human condition. We all possess an innate complexity, a constant struggle between our rationality and our emotions. This battle can manifest in various aspects of our lives, often leading to internal conflicts and an inability to consistently follow our own good advice.Acknowledging this duality can be both enlightening and empowering. By becoming more aware of our conflicting selves and the factors that shape our decision-making processes, we gain insight into our own behavior and can work towards overcoming our self-ignoring tendencies. Understanding that our rational self is not always in control allows us to show compassion towards ourselves when we fail to follow our own advice. It also opens doors for self-reflection and growth, as we strive to bridge the gap between what we know to be right and what we actually do.In conclusion, Lewis Carroll's quote, "She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it)," encapsulates a universal truth about the human condition. It acknowledges our capacity for wisdom and insight, while also highlighting the challenges we face in acting upon that knowledge. Through the lens of the duality of self, we can understand the internal struggle between our advice-giving and self-ignoring selves, shedding light on the complexity of decision-making and the journey towards aligning our actions with our best intentions. By embracing this understanding, we can strive for greater self-awareness and personal growth, bridging the gap between what we know and what we do.