The Best Source Of Knowledge Is Experience
- Leon Haynes
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
You can read all the books in the world, study every course possible and become very intelligent, but if your intelligence is based solely on theory and study, you’ll only be getting half of the picture.
Sometimes, the best source of knowledge, and ultimately wisdom, is experience; walking in the shoes of another, doing the work and making mistakes as you go.
#1 - Driving experience is knowledge
Take the example of driving, in order to secure a full driving licence in the UK, you need to start by taking driving lessons, learning the theory and learning at least some basics of car functionality – such as where the coolant goes and how to check your oil, for example – all before taking a final practical driving test alongside a theory exam.
"... it will never be the same as the real thing..."
There are numerous books on cars, lots of studies, articles, games and simulations involving some aspect of car driving, yet, no matter how many hours you partake in those things, it will never be the same as the real thing, actually sitting in a car, feeling the pedals, the steering wheel and being on the road with traffic.
#2 - Language experience is knowledge
The same can be said about language, learning language theory is great, however, it is said that the best way to really become fluent in a language is by experience, immersing yourself in the country and culture of that language and experiencing it first-hand.
Summary
Whatever you’re aiming to achieve in life, don’t get stuck in the weeds of over-analysis, non-stop research and become a career student through a lack of taking action, as a result of having a fear of failing.
By all means, commit to lifelong learning, stay relevant, stay engaged and up-to-date in order to become an expert in your field or skilled at your passion, but ensure you take action and get stuck into experiences so you can acquire the knowledge you need in order to be and stay successful.
Here are a couple of key takeaways I believe this quote can inspire in all of us:
If you’re told things, you may forget, if you’re shown things, you may remember, but if you get involved and experience things, you’ll understand them better.
You could drown if you fell into a river, but then if you stay on the riverbank, you’ll never learn to swim.
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