Seriously, people. This is one of the most poignant bits of wisdom that was ever shared with me was this one. Of course, it is too clever by half, which is the kind of thing that would appeal to me. It harkens back to the old Christian parable of “one set of footsteps” because the teacher has been there all of the time, but only when the student is ready to take in the wisdom does it appear to the student that the teacher is there.
Consider this as you migrate through all of your interpersonal interactions. Not everyone is ready to hear what you have to say, no matter how well or often you say it…and no matter how much you think that they need to hear it. When you realize that someone isn’t ready to hear what it is you so badly want to share with them, ostensibly to save them from some of your own pain, there’s no reason to give up. Help elevate their thinking bit-by-bit with tools / proverbs that they can hear, even if you have to prostrate some of your own failures to them. People are usually worth it.
We are all in a “state of becoming.” If you don’t believe that, then close this website and move on to something which will espouse more “certainty” for you. However, it’s been my experience that only when a) you’ve earned the right to speak truths to people through lavishly protecting their dignity and b) they’re in a mindset where they can understand at an emotional level what you need to share can you play the role of teacher.
Also, always assume that you are still a student. We all have so much to learn. No matter your age or experience, you still have much to learn from others. Often wisdom comes from the least “impressive” people. The more you are open to being humble and open to hear their wisdom, the better your experience and influence will be.