Exploring a German Proverb: True Understanding Comes Through Experience
I thoroughly enjoy reading proverbs from other cultures. These adages are often centuries old, a culmination of wisdom. So precisely put and infused with wisdom, they extend an invitation to all to ponder their meaning. Last week, I had the joy of coming across the German proverb “Probieren geht über Studieren,” or “trying is better than studying.”
In other words, true understanding comes through experience. This idea beautifully echoes wisdom that even Aristotle recognized centuries ago. Aristotle wrote in Nicomachean Ethics (Book II, 1):
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”
He believed that true learning comes not just by studying, but by doing: practicing our skills, forming habits, and engaging with the world. In this way, both the proverb and Aristotle remind us that growth happens when we step into experience, not just observation.
Wisdom in the Digital Age
Living in the digital age, there is an overabundance of advice. Want advice from people going through a similar situation to you? Try posting on Reddit. Wanting to learn about the attachment styles? Listen to a podcast. Curious to decipher what that text meant? Look no further than ChatGPT, which will eagerly explore every possible angle, providing you with ideas you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.
When the internet is seemingly filled with experts and novices alike, ready to give us advice at any moment, how are we supposed to know what suggestions are worth listening to? We often don’t. We couldn’t possibly sift through all the information accessible to us on relationships, health optimization, or philosophy in one lifetime. I don’t mention this to be grim, but instead to discuss a way out of this endless library of thoughts and ideas that occupies our mind.
Experiences Over Theory
When it comes to integrating what we have observed from books or digital media, there is often a disconnect between knowledge and implementation. Not having learned certain lessons organically, we sometimes lack true conviction regarding what we have learned. An endless catalog of resources can be tremendously helpful, but I’d recommend being mindful of advice or philosophies that may be incompatible with your values and unique characteristics.
The application of the principle “trying is better than studying,”or “learning by doing,” is that you are better off putting theory into practice than you are attempting to acquire all the solutions and answers to the many questions you have. For example, if you’ve just listened to a podcast that discusses how to overcome anxiety, you will find deliverance from anxiety if you are willing to embrace the discomfort of confronting what scares you or attempting and failing. Sitting in your room and journaling about how you feel will not fix your anxiety. Practicing is better than studying.
Real-Life Lessons in Love and Confidence
On a different note, many people cling to the idea that they need to have it all together in order to find love. I watched this video on YouTube a while back of an interaction between a dating coach and one of his followers, Mark. Mark explained his disappointment upon discovering that becoming extremely fit, and obtaining a high-earning job did not help him attract women, or secure a relationship. He had kind eyes, and this sort of humility to him, admitting that he did “all the things” so that he could see success in his love life. The coach then offered a harsh, but true insight that his follower closely listened to.
The coach said to Mark, more or less, that while he was on this journey of “leveling up,” he needed to be interacting with women, seeing what led to genuine connection, and what did not. That this waiting until he was buff, wealthy, and had memorized all the dating tips, to pursue a woman, created a gap between his appearance and his confidence. In other words, he had all the prerequisites for success, but had neglected real life experience, waiting until he felt good enough to open himself up to dating.
It is a faulty premise that we have to be perfectly put together style-wise, in our work life, or fitness life before going out to make friends, or a romantic connection. We are more empowered when we believe that our ability to overcome adversity is up to us. No amount of knowledge or studying will take the place of experience. Go out and stumble, say that silly thing, take that beginners salsa class. Start. Don’t delay!
Nature and Reflection: Insights from Brain Wash
For the rest of the week, I have an invitation for you. Pause and reflect on what you’ve learned. It can be from a conversation, book, podcast, anything. Consider how you can move past observation and into experience. In my own life, I have been reading a book called Brain Wash by the father-and-son duo, Austin and Dr. David Permutter. Chapter 6 reminds us that as a society we spend far too much time indoors, not allowing enough moments to experience awe from being in nature. This chapter greatly impacted me and for the coming weeks I will make it a point to spend time in nature each day. It is inspirational and brings me back down to earth on busy days.
Putting Theory into Practice
Ask yourself: How can I bring this learning to life?
Share one thing you learned this week with a friend and another with a family member.
Write down where you saw progress when trying the "Learning by Doing approach.”