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About this quote

What does it mean?
Learning from the mistakes of others is a sign of wisdom and saves you from repeating them.
In plain terms
Learn from other people's mistakes instead of making your own.
What can you take from it?
Watch others fail to avoid failing yourself.

Where it applies

  • studying history
  • reading case studies
  • observing peers

Putting it to work

  • review past errors
  • ask for lessons
  • study failures

Questions to consider

  • What can you learn from someone else's failure?
  • Why is direct experience often the only teacher?

Another view

Not all others' harms are useful or relevant lessons.

More from James Howell

  1. The Devil turns his back to a door that is shut.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. God consents but not always.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. Words and works eat not at one table.

    Permalink to quote #5

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