When Gary Shteyngart met Philip Roth, the unofficial dean of American letters had some advice for him:

He told me not to eat butter…

This may not seem that helpful at first glance. But Shteyngart saw a silver lining:

I’m not sure that counts as “writing” advice, but it’s kept me squarely in the 128-132 pound zone, which has made me super-hungry as a writer…

Listen to what the Roths of the world tell you if you’re lucky enough to be around them when they dispense their advice.

Even when it makes no sense.