Sometimes wise words, life lessons and guidance appear where we least expect it. Recently movies, music and audiobooks have provided me with useful suggestions. Last night I re-watched Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. The last scene in the movie takes place in a diner. One of the main characters, Jules delivers an edifying monologue to a British man attempting to rob the diner. He says, “The truth is you’re weak. And I’m the tyranny of evil men. But I tryin’. I’m tryin’ real hard to be a shepherd.” Samuel L. Jackson’s character is referencing the iconic speech from the bible he gives earlier in the movie. 

 In the context of the film, this passage takes on new meaning. Illuminating advice lies beneath these statements. Jackson’s character is attempting to explain that helping others is the best path and assuming that the world is more selfish than any individual is a lie we tell ourselves. This passage is about how humans perceive themselves in relation to the world. These lines remind me to keep my ears open for pointers wherever I can find them. 

Lately, I’ve been listening to alternative and indie bands like Tame Impala. The lyrics in Tame Impala’s song “Breathe Deeper” describe one way to cope with emotional distress independently. The line “Breathe a little deeper, should you need to come undone,” shows how simple resources such as breathing can prevent us from unraveling. “Breathe Deeper” was released in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, when we were all in need of relief from stress. 

It turns out audiobooks can be a source of life advice as well. When I was a kid I listened to the audio versions of books including Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on road trips. These quotes have continuously given me unforeseen solace.  

• “The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied.” 

• “The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42." 

• “I'd far rather be happy than right any day.”

Advice from friends, family or life coaches may seem dependable but often they have the wrong reasons for sharing it. The advice will always be there. Whether or not I should follow it, is another question. Good intentions don't necessarily guarantee a positive impact. I tend to listen to most people when they give me their two cents on my life decisions. How do we determine whether or not to listen to guidance from these random sources? Sometimes the best suggestion is to listen to your gut. The times when I ignore my intuition are times where I’m more likely to let my guard down and become indecisive. Life advice is ubiquitous but when it’s unsolicited or unexpected it may be worth your while to listen. I still think of 42 as the answer to the meaning of life, the universe and everything.