The knowledge obtained from books and teachers is imperfect in several respects. It is dull and much of it is not really digested. Unless it is supplemented and modified by the wisdom gained from experience, it is misleading and sometimes dangerous. This is not to underestimate the importance of books. After all, the knowledge contained in books is based on experience. Bui experience is endless and we must constantly modify bookish knowledge in the light of practical experience.

If we visit historical places like Agra, Bijapur, the ruins at Hampi and the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, what we have learnt about these places from the text books on history will take on life, colour, and vividness. There can be no better way of learning the geography of different countries than actually visiting them and understanding them at first hand. To take examples of a different kind, do we not prefer an experienced doctor or lawyer to a novice, however highly qualified he may be? In certain spheres of life like politics, experience is a must. An arm chair politician is ineffectual and cuts a poor figure.

We know the meanings of several phrases and proverbs in a vague, general manner. Then we personally experience the truth contained in them, we discover their meaning afresh, and they cease to be stale and commonplace. I knew, for example, that the phrase ‘fish-market’ figuratively meant an extremely noisy, disorderly place. But it was only when I happened to visit a fish-market for the first time and observed the tremendous bustle and noise that prevailed there that the real meaning of the phrase flashed across my mind with the vividness and freshness of a discovery. How often do we repeat the familiar proverb ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ We really understand its truth only when we are deserted by our so – called friends in times of adversity.

The lessons learnt from experience will not be forgotten. If you tell a lie and consequently find yourself in a tight corner, you are not likely to repeat your mistake in the future. Certain bitter experiences – failure and suffering make us realise our errors and shortcomings and thus teach us how to improve ourselves.