I think it's also a matter of personal experience @kenmelendez.
When I was younger I didn't have much insight or experience, so I would read books that were written by people who I thought were wiser, more knowledgeable and more successful than me (a.k.a. I sought the opinions of others).
Then.. after over 30 years of living, I eventually had enough experience, awareness and understanding to form my own opinions and could ultimately guide myself.