Game of Thrones: 10 Times The Lannisters Gave Surprisingly Good Advice

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One of the most powerful families in all of Westeros, the Lannisters were key figures at the center of the eponymous Game of Thrones. Ruthless, cunning, and sharp, the Lions of the Rock knew exactly how privileged they were, and lived in constant fear of losing their power. And while some played the game better than others, they all shaped it in one way or another.

Both Tywin and Cersei were pretty straightforward villains, while Jaime fell more into the antihero category. Tyrion was a straight-up good guy. Yet, no matter where their allegiances fell, they all had gifted minds, allowing them to share valuable pearls of wisdom on more than one occasion.

10 You Don't Need To Make Formal Alliances With People You Trust

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During season four, while discussing Cersei's future marriage to Loras, Tywin shares this advice with his daughter. A paraphrasing of the classic "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Tywin is basically saying that an alliance in the paper would be beneficial to their house as it allows them to strengthen their power while keeping an eye on the other House.

For someone as cynic and Machiavellian as Tywin, seeing everything through transaction terms must have made things easier. And while it is valuable advice, no doubt, it's also a rather narrow-minded way of seeing things.

9 Three Victories Don't Make You A Conquerer

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Shortly after Ned's imprisonment, the North revolts against the Crown, and Jaime is apprehended by Robb Stark, who's on a winning streak. Jaime wisely points out how a couple of triumphs don't necessarily mean he will win the war, and even though Robb has a pretty good comeback, in the end, Jaime turns out to be right.

Cockiness is a dangerous flaw, one that should never be allowed to run wild. The worst thing one can do is let pride take over, as it can blind even the most alert of men. And while winning a victory will always feel good, it's vital to remember that a war is won one battle at a time.

8 Love No One But Your Children

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This one is a good piece of advice, especially in the context of the show. The world of Game of Thrones is cruel and unforgiving, so Cersei really is on to something when she advises Sansa not to love anyone but her children. It's also the rare occasion when the Lannister Queen actually has the Stark girl's best interest in mind.

Cersei and Sansa's relationship is one of the most interesting parts of season two. So, to see the Queen trying to guide Sansa through the role that awaits her as Joffrey's future wife is fascinating to watch. For a brief moment, it's clear that Cersei sees a part of herself in Sansa's predicament.

7 A Mind Needs A Book Like A Sword Needs A Whetstone

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Tyrion was famously one of the smartest characters in the show. A bright man who always had a quick, witty quip up his sleeve, he spent most of his time reading. When Jon asks him why, Tyrion replies with a bit of advice that's so valuable and accurate, everyone should always bear it in mind.

It's true that a person's strongest weapon is their mind. It can create wonderful things, and it's the reason humanity has achieved so much in a relatively short amount of time. People should always strive to keep learning and discovering, to listen to new voices and open up to new ideas. It really is the only way forward.

6 Some Battles Are Won With Swords And Spears, Others With Quills And Ravens

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Diplomacy was a central part of the Westerosi game. Tywin, Olenna, Tyrion, Varys, and Littlefinger knew this better than anyone. They knew that, sometimes, one can harm more with a few well-chosen words, than with a thousand sharp swords.

Although this quote never made it to the show, it's still an incredible piece of advice that Tywin offers Tyrion during the third book of the series, A Storm of Swords. Violence can only get one so far, and if Game of Thrones taught audiences anything, is to never underestimate the importance of a piece of paper.

5 I Try To Know As Many People As I Can. You Never Know Which One You'll Need

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Networking is important, even Tyrion Lannister knows it. In the second episode of season 3, Tyrion, while speaking to Shay, utters this quote that's as funny as it is accurate.

Some might say it's using people, but it doesn't have to be like that. Human relationships are valuable, not only for what you can get from them. Still, it's important to have a wide network of contacts, especially in the business world. Opportunities are sometimes where one least expects them.

4 A Wise King Knows What He Knows And What He Doesn't

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Accepting one's limitations is a strength in and of itself and it's something every good leader knows. Tywin gives this recommendation to his grandson, Tommen, after Joffrey's death. A wise King must always listen to his advisors, especially if he wants to become a great King.

Sure, Tywin is manipulating Tommen, but that doesn't mean there's no truth to his words. Although everyone has shortcomings, this doesn't mean they are any less important or qualified. But admitting to their faults will help prepare for any potential threats that might derive from them. And who knows, maybe they can even be eradicated.

3 The More You Own, The More It Weighs You Down

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During the episode "The Spoils of War," Jaime tells this bit of financial advice to Bronn after the latter asks the former for Highgarden. Jaime tells his sparring partner that such a castle would only ruin him, as Daenerys can come at any moment and take it by force, just like they just did.

Money is a fleeting thing, especially if one doesn't have a healthy financial education. Bronn doesn't, and Jaime, being a Lannister, knows a thing or two about debt and costly castles. Money can mean great privilege, but it can also mean trouble if not administered correctly. And Jaime's advice is one everyone should heed.

2 The Occasional Kindness Will Spare You All Sorts Of Trouble Down The Road

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Cersei loved her children, but it's safe to say she was a pretty horrible mother. She indulged them, especially Joffrey, who she raised to believe rules didn't apply to him. During the season one episode "Lord Snow," Cersei tells Joffrey he needs to marry Sansa and advises him to do something nice for her as it would make things easier in the long run.

As far as marriage advice goes, it's not the worst. It can also be applied outside of matrimony, because, as the saying goes, one can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Politeness and kindness will always be better than cruelty and hostility.

1 Never Forget What You Are. The Rest Of The World Will Not. Wear It Like An Armor, And It Can Never Be Used To Hurt You

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Spoken during the very first episode of the show, Tyrion shares this incredible piece of advice with Jon Snow. It is true that the world will seek to exploit what weaknesses and vulnerabilities they find, and someone like Tyrion knows that better than anyone. Yet, if one comes to terms and embraces the things that make one different, then it cannot be used by others as weapons.

It's a valuable lesson, one most can apply to. Everybody has flaws, after all. The important thing to remember is that flaws provide uniqueness and experience. Accepting them as a natural part of life will make things easier, even if it's one of the hardest things to do.