If people don’t learn by experience, they never understand.
 Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Idiot (1874). copy citation

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Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Source The Idiot
Topic understanding experience
Date 1874
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Eva Martin
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2638/2638-h/2638-h.htm

Context

“Do you think I am deceived as to the flagrant impropriety of my conduct? I am quite aware that his money is his own, and that my action—is much like an attempt at extortion. But you-you don’t know what life is! If people don’t learn by experience, they never understand. They must be taught. My intentions are perfectly honest; on my conscience he will lose nothing, and I will pay back the money with interest. Added to which he has had the moral satisfaction of seeing me disgraced.” source