This saying asserts that practical, firsthand experience teaches lessons more effectively than any book, lecture, or advice from others. It implies that mistakes and hardships are valuable because they impart wisdom that cannot be gained otherwise.
While Chinese culture highly values education and textual knowledge, this saying acknowledges the limits of theory. It is often invoked to justify letting someone make their own mistakes rather than shielding them from failure.
This saying serves as a comforting rationalization for failure, transforming it from a source of shame into a necessary step toward wisdom. It signals that the speaker is resilient and views setbacks as growth opportunities.
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