Good and bad decisions: lessons from Mark Twain
Overlook this advice at your peril!
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 192
Mark Twain's views on decisions and experience are perhaps best encapsulated in this well-known quote:
"Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions."
This simple statement reveals a profound understanding of how we learn and grow. Here's what it conveys:
The importance of experience:
Twain recognized that true wisdom isn't just theoretical. It's built upon real-world encounters.
He understood that experience, whether positive or negative, provides valuable lessons that shape our judgment.
The role of mistakes:
He didn't shy away from acknowledging that mistakes are an inevitable part of life.
Rather than fearing errors, he viewed them as essential stepping stones to better decision-making.
In essence, he believed that we learn most effectively by grappling with the consequences of our choices, even when those choices are flawed.
In addition to that core quote, his body of work and other quotes, show that he valued real world experience. He understood that lessons learned from doing, were far more valuable than those learned from books alone.
Lessons on decisions from Mark Twain:
Mark Twain's life and writings offer several valuable lessons about decision-making, far beyond just the "good decisions from bad" quote. Here are some key takeaways:
Embrace experience, even the painful kind:
Twain's own life was a tapestry of both triumphs and failures. He understood that experience, especially the hard-won kind, is the best teacher. Don't fear mistakes; learn from them.
Be wary of blind optimism and speculation:
His disastrous investment in the Paige typesetting machine serves as a cautionary tale. He let his enthusiasm cloud his judgment, neglecting due diligence and practical considerations. Don't let passion override reason.
"Put all your eggs in one basket and—WATCH THAT BASKET."
This quote highlights the importance of diversification and risk management. Don't put all your resources or hopes into a single venture. Have contingency plans.
Know thyself and your limitations:
Twain was a brilliant writer, but he wasn't an engineer or a financial expert. He strayed outside his area of expertise, leading to significant losses. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and seek guidance when needed.
Don't confuse passion with expertise:
He was very passionate about the typesetter, but passion does not equal knowledge.
Adapt and learn from failure:
Despite his setbacks, Twain didn't give up. He used his experiences, both good and bad, as material for his writing. He transformed his failures into valuable lessons for himself and his readers. Be resilient and adaptable.
Be skeptical of "Get rich quick" schemes:
Twain's era was rife with speculative ventures, and he fell prey to some of them. Be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.
Value authenticity and honesty:
His writing is known for its honesty and realism. He didn't sugarcoat his experiences, and he encouraged others to do the same. Make decisions that align with your values and principles.
Recognize the human element in decision-making:
Twain understood that humans are fallible and prone to errors. He didn't hold himself or others to unrealistic standards. Acknowledge that emotions and biases can influence your choices.
In essence, Twain's lessons on decisions emphasize the importance of learning from experience, being cautious, and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Planting trees for shade.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.