Why 'in the arena'...?

A wise and successful guy for whom I have tremendous respect said something quite interesting to me a few years ago..."the best advice doesn't usually come from the 'advice-giving types'..."

I processed that comment deeply and over the ensuing years validated it at every opportunity.

In fact, I've stayed away from the 'advice-giving types' in favor of people who have actually excelled and mastered areas of focus in which I have interest.

These people, "The Masters" tend to be too busy to give advice. They tend to be...in the arena.