Learn wisdom by the follies of others.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” mean?

"Learn wisdom by the follies of others" means that it is wise to gain knowledge and understanding by observing and learning from the mistakes and misfortunes of others, rather than going through those experiences yourself.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Don't make the same mistakes as others. Learn wisdom by the follies of others.

Example

Instead of repeating their failures, take heed and learn wisdom by the follies of others.

Example

Why go through the same hardships when you can learn wisdom by the follies of others

Is “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” effectively in context?

You can use "Learn wisdom by the follies of others" to emphasize the importance of learning from the mistakes and misfortunes of others. It encourages people to be observant and avoid repeating the same errors. For example, if a friend is about to make a decision that someone else has already made and regretted, you might say, 'Don't make the same mistakes as others. Learn wisdom by the follies of others.'

• 1. Advice

  Instead of repeating their failures, take heed and learn wisdom by the follies of others.

• 2. Reflection

  Why go through the same hardships when you can learn wisdom by the follies of others?

• 3. Caution

  Before making a major decision, it's important to learn wisdom by the follies of others and consider the experiences of those who have gone before.

Similar phrases to “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.”:

Experience is the best teacher

The most effective way to learn is through personal experience and the lessons it provides.

Example

She realized that experience is the best teacher after going through a challenging situation.

A wise man learns from the mistakes of others

An intelligent person observes the errors made by others and avoids making the same ones.

Example

He always pays attention to the mistakes of others because he believes that a wise man learns from them.

Look before you leap

Think carefully and consider the potential consequences before taking action.

Example

She decided to look before she leaped and thoroughly researched the investment opportunity.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Learn wisdom by the follies of others" is unknown.

Is “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Learn wisdom by the follies of others" is not as common in everyday conversation as some other proverbs, but it is still recognized and understood. It is often used in more formal or reflective contexts, such as discussions about personal growth, decision-making, or learning from history.

What tone does “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” have?

"Learn wisdom by the follies of others" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It suggests that it is wise to learn from the mistakes and misfortunes of others rather than experiencing them yourself. It encourages a thoughtful and observant approach to life.

Can “Learn wisdom by the follies of others.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Learn wisdom by the follies of others" is more formal in nature and is commonly used in written or spoken discourse that requires a more reflective or philosophical tone. It may be used in academic writing, speeches, or discussions about personal growth and self-improvement.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "Learn wisdom by the follies of others" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Before making a major decision, it's important to learn wisdom by the follies of others.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "learn wisdom by the follies of others"!' to remind someone to be cautious and learn from the experiences of others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• learn from others' mistakes
• observe and avoid
• take a lesson from others
• benefit from others' missteps
• gain wisdom from others' follies

Antonyms

• repeat the same mistakes
• ignore the lessons of others
• disregard others' experiences
• learn the hard way
• make your own mistakes