"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced"

Think about the first time you rode a bike. Someone might have explained the mechanics to you—how to balance, pedal, and steer. You might have even watched videos or read about it. But we all know that none of that compared to the first time you actually got on a bike and tried it yourself. That's the heart of this idea: things don't truly become genuine to us until we've lived through them.

To put it simply, knowledge and understanding are often two very different things. You can hear about something your whole life, but it's not until you personally experience it that it becomes real. Imagine hearing about heartbreak. Your friends might tell you how it feels, you might see characters in movies go through it, but until you go through a breakup, it’s just theoretical knowledge. The intense emotions, the sleepless nights, the way it feels like the ground has been pulled from under you—that’s when you really get it.

This concept has historical roots as well. Throughout history, many philosophers and thinkers have emphasized the importance of personal experience in acquiring true knowledge. For instance, John Dewey, an American philosopher, often spoke about the significance of ‘learning by doing’. He believed that experiences shape our understanding and learning in ways that mere theoretical knowledge cannot. This idea has influenced education systems worldwide, leading to more hands-on, experiential learning methods.

Let’s consider a detailed, vivid example—skydiving. You can read all the safety manuals, watch countless videos, and hear every account from experienced jumpers about the adrenaline rush, the feeling of free-fall, and the serene beauty once the parachute opens. But it's all second-hand. The moment you step out of that plane and feel the rush of wind, the sheer terror and exhilaration of free-falling, and the quiet after the parachute deploys, it all becomes incredibly real. Your understanding of skydiving transitions from an abstract idea to a visceral, lived experience.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Get out there and live it. If there's something you've been curious about—whether it's traveling to a new country, learning a new skill, or even trying out a new hobby—dive in. Don't just read about it or watch others; participate. Experience is the best teacher, and it will shape your understanding in a way nothing else can.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She always wanted to learn how to play the piano. For years, she watched tutorial videos online, read music theory books, and even attended some concerts. But she never actually put her hands on a piano. Finally, she decided to take the plunge and sign up for lessons. The first time she placed her fingers on the keys and played a simple melody, she felt a profound connection to the music. The theory she’d read about made sense in a new way. The experience was transformative and deeply personal.

So, next time you're hesitating to try something new because you think you've read enough about it, remember: things only become real when you experience them. Go out there, take that leap, and let the firsthand knowledge shape you. You won't regret it. Experience is the most genuine form of learning—one that sticks with you and molds your understanding in a way nothing else can.