"يُوجّه الأذكياء بواسطة العقل، والأفراد ذوو العقول المتوسطة بواسطة التجربة، والأغبياء بواسطة الضرورة، والوحوش بواسطة الغريزة."

The quote essentially breaks down how different types of people learn and make decisions. It's saying that wise people use rational thought to guide them, average people learn from what they've been through, those who don't use their intellect will only change when they have no other choice, and animals (and by extension, people acting purely on impulse) react based on their basic urges.

This idea can be traced back to ancient philosophical concepts. It's about how we handle life's lessons and challenges. Think about the ancient philosophers like Socrates or Aristotle, always pushing the idea that using reason is what sets us apart and makes us wise. They saw wisdom as something higher and more refined than just going through experiences or acting out of immediate need. This quote is like a modern take on that same wisdom.

Imagine a scenario where you're starting a new job. A wise person might research the company, understand the role deeply, and think ahead about potential challenges and opportunities. They use their reason to prepare. An average person may dive in and learn from the daily grind, figuring things out as they go. Then there’s the person who doesn’t think ahead at all—they only change their way of working when they hit a major problem and are forced to. And finally, someone acting on instinct might just react to things without much thought, doing whatever feels right in the moment.

Take the example of managing personal finances. A wise person will plan a budget, invest smartly, and think about long-term goals. They anticipate future needs and prepare for them. Someone with average insight might learn to manage money better after a few mistakes—maybe they overspend one month and adjust the next. The person who doesn’t use their intellect will keep spending recklessly until they hit a crisis, like debt collectors knocking at the door. And someone acting purely on instinct might spend money as soon as they get it, driven by immediate desires without any thought for tomorrow.

So, how can we use this wisdom in our own lives? Start by trying to be more proactive about thinking things through. When faced with a decision, take a moment to reason it out. What are the potential consequences? What’s the best outcome? This habit can save you from a lot of unnecessary trouble. Also, reflect on your experiences, but don’t let them be your only teacher. Try to learn from others as well—read books, ask for advice, and observe.

Here’s a little story to illustrate the point. Imagine Sarah and Jane, two friends who decide to start a small business. Sarah, the wise one, spends months researching, planning, and preparing before even launching. She seeks advice from experts, reads up on market trends, and has a clear business plan. Jane, on the other hand, jumps right in with enthusiasm but little preparation. She learns from her mistakes as she goes. They both make it, but Sarah’s path is smoother, with fewer bumps along the way. Another friend, Mike, starts a business too, but he doesn’t plan at all. He only changes his approach when his business is on the brink of failing, forced by necessity. And then there’s Tom, who dives headfirst into the business world on a whim, driven by passion but no plan, reacting purely on his gut feelings. His journey is the rockiest of all.

So, next time you’re about to make a move, think like Sarah. Use reason and foresight to guide you. It might just save you a lot of trouble down the road.