When you’re trying a new activity or project, someone can provide tips and instructions to try and help you avoid the pain and difficulties they went through. These are well intentioned, but often cannot be properly internalized and understood.
For example, seeing someone demonstrate how to ride a bicycle is helpful, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be successful on your first try. Only by getting on the bike and trying it for yourself can you develop the experience to be able to truly understand and take advantage of additional tips and instructions.
This does not mean we should not attempt to teach others or learn from others. Rather, we need to remember to get actual experience while trying to comprehend the lessons other have learned before us. Even re-reading the same lessons over time can continue to help us reflect, learn, and grow.
While it would be incredible if we could always internalize these lessons from others without our own first-hand experience, this does not work for many domains. Only by putting in the effort and continuing to reflect and continuing to reflect and grow can we truly stand on the shoulder of giants.