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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gould compares indirect knowledge to direct experience, preferring to be the horse in the race than to interview the jockey later.
In plain terms
It's better to experience something directly than to hear about it secondhand.
What can you take from it?
Value direct experience over indirect accounts.

Where it applies

  • research
  • learning
  • sports

Putting it to work

  • prioritize direct observation
  • value lived experience

Questions to consider

  • When is indirect knowledge enough?
  • Is experience always better?

Another view

Sometimes indirect methods are safer or more practical than direct ones.

More from Stephen Jay Gould

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