As I reflect on my past life, the passing years prompt me to recall memories, and I see how I wish to revisit specific moments to alter them or improve them. I have led an adventurous life (as you may recall from my series of posts about my memories), and I acknowledge that I have made numerous mistakes, which I deeply regret. However, with guidance from great thinkers, I have learned to view these mistakes from a different perspective: The Value of Experience!
It is a prevalent issue for people around the world to avoid making mistakes. I, myself, am one of those who strive for perfection, and I recognise that it is misguided!
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe says, “Geschlagener Quark macht breit, nicht fest!” (Beaten curd becomes broad, not strong!)
“If we look at the problems raised by Aristotle, we are astonished at his gift of observation. What incredible eyes the Greeks had for many things! Only they committed the mistake of being overhasty, of passing straightway from the phenomenon to the explanation of it, and thereby produced specific theories that are pretty inadequate. But this is the mistake of all time, and is still made in our own day.”
From Maxims & Reflections, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe; Science, 559
Additionally, Carl Gustav Jung reminds us that we can make mistakes and learn from them.
Whatever we look at, and however we look at it, we see only through our own eyes. For this reason, science is never made by one man but by many. The individual merely offers their contribution, and in this sense, I dare to speak only of my way of seeing things.
~Carl Jung, Modern man in Search of a Soul, p.84.
Plato proposed that absolute knowledge can be gained through acquaintance, meaning through intellectual insight into the otherworldly Forms. Jung shared a similar notion regarding acquaintance with the archetypes of the “unus mundus” (one world), representing the primordial, unified reality from which all things originate. Nevertheless, in contrast to Plato, Jung asserted that archetypes cannot be perceived directly. Instead, we can comprehend their psychic significance, gaining at least a hint of absolute knowledge.
I believe we can make mistakes, but after each one, we should take a step back and carefully examine how and where it happened, then try to approach the experience more thoughtfully. Experience teaches us more than thousands of books ever could!
Jung inspired individuals to engage with the world and savour life, rather than rely solely on theoretical knowledge from books. He regarded the unconscious mind as a treasure trove of experiences accessible through reflection and symbolic language. Ultimately, Jung’s work emphasises that while books and knowledge are valuable, they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of direct experience and self-reflection. Genuine growth and understanding flourish when we engage with our surroundings and explore our inner lives.
Sometimes a tree tells you more than can be read in books.
~ C.G. Jung; Letters Volume 1; Page 179.
Experience, not books, is what leads to understanding.
~Carl Jung, CW 12, Para 564
Thank you for reading; have a lovely holiday! 🙏🤗🌹💕
lampmagician 
I completely agree, Aladin.
For once I understand 100% what Jung says.
Experience is the master teacher. Book lessons are great, but they are the not the same as lived lessons.
Mistakes are tough, but they are lived lessons, and we need to learn form our mistakes. We all know that. However, I look around and see much damage done by people who do not learn from mistakes.
More dangerous- Many refuse to admit they made a mistake, so they will not learn. If that person is in a position of great power, we have a problem.
You sound well!
👍⌘🌹💖🫶🤗
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“Lived lessons”; I shall keep that in mind!
Very well said, my wise friend. Many people refuse to accept their failures due to arrogance. They remain oblivious to their own souls and will thus continue to be foolish. However, if they come to immense power, their folly will wreak havoc on the world!
So far, it seems you’ve grasped everything I’ve posted from Jung! Thank you, nonetheless, my lovely friend.
🤗🙏💖💖👍🌹
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Very profound, friend! Thanks for posting this!
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Your kind words are truly encouraging; thank YOU!
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Mistakes are just great lessons in life – I have to remind myself of this whenever I make one!😊Sending much love and light from both of us❤️🤗
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It is incredibly kind and wise of you, dear Lin; I shall do the same! Sending my heartfelt appreciation to you both. 💖💖🙏🙏🌹🌹
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Thank you for the wonderful post ! Have a great Sunday !❤
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Thanks for stopping by, dear friend. I was pretty busy with the grandkids until yesterday evening, so I’m almost done now! 😜😂🙏💖💖
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Perfection is impossible. We’re human. We’re bound to make mistakes because we need to grow and evolve and change. Mistakes allow us to learn.
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Indeed, my dear Chanel. Thank you very much for your astute addition. 🙏💖🙏
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I think it’s just the fact of being human that we focus on our failures more than our successes. But as a woman once told me, Aladin, there’s a reason why we make erasers. ;0)
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Your female friend spoke very well and wisely! It is a powerful feminine anecdote! 👏😂💖👍
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