Have you learned the lessons only of those who admired you, and were tender with you, and stood aside for you? Have you not learned great lessons from those who braced themselves against you, and disputed passage with you?

Meaning

With this quote, the focus is on wisdom, emphasizing that wisdom grows through experience while underlining that mistakes teach valuable lessons.

Theme

Many memorable quotes revolve around wisdom. The theme resonates widely because wisdom guides important decisions, reinforcing that listening brings understanding.

About the Author

Walt Whitman is frequently cited for statements exploring universal ideas. This quote reflects themes related to wisdom.

Style and Structure

This compact statement communicates its message without unnecessary detail, supported by contrast.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
wisdom grows through experience.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we think before acting.