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About this quote

What does it mean?
Actions that seem foolish can yield valuable insights.
In plain terms
Silly mistakes can teach us important lessons.
What can you take from it?
Do not dismiss obvious errors lightly.

Where it applies

  • education
  • personal growth
  • innovation

Putting it to work

  • analyzing failures
  • valuing experimentation

Questions to consider

  • What mistake taught you something?
  • What counts as stupid?

Another view

Not all foolishness leads to wisdom.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. Aim at being loved without being admired. (p. 38e)

    Permalink to quote #82
  2. A man will be imprisoned in a room with a door that's unlocked and opens inwards; as long as it does not occur to him to pull rather than push it. (p. 42e)

    Permalink to quote #84
  3. One might say: Genius is talent exercised with courage. (p. 38e)

    Permalink to quote #81

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