Simon Bolivar: 'Judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.'

Judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.

In his famous quote, Simon Bolivar astutely points out the interdependence between judgment and experience. He suggests that judgment is not simply an innate ability but, rather, a product of our experiences, particularly the ones stemming from poor decisions or "bad judgment." This quote encapsulates a quintessential truth of human existence – we learn and grow through our mistakes and missteps, often gaining invaluable wisdom and understanding along the way.To summarize, Bolivar's quote underscores the profound connection between judgment and experience. It suggests that judgment is not something we possess inherently, but rather a skill we develop through our encounters with adversity and wrong choices. This simple yet profound statement serves as a reminder that our failures can act as the catalysts for future success, as they fuel our capacity to make better choices and navigate life with increased wisdom.However, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept known as "appropriation of experience." This concept, derived from the philosophy of phenomenology, challenges the notion that experience is an objective reality that we passively receive. Instead, it posits that our experiences are shaped and influenced by our own subjective perceptions and interpretations. In other words, we do not simply accumulate experiences; rather, we actively make sense of and give meaning to the situations and events we encounter.By contrasting Bolivar's quote with the concept of the appropriation of experience, we can delve into a deeper exploration of how our judgments are not solely based on experience itself but are also influenced by our subjective interpretations. While Bolivar's quote implies that experience is the sole determinant of judgment, the philosophy of appropriation of experience highlights the role of personal biases, emotions, and preconceptions in shaping our interpretations. This philosophical perspective prompts us to reflect upon how we filter, process, and understand our experiences, and how this ultimately impacts our judgment.While Bolivar's quote emphasizes the growth and development that arises from bad judgments, the concept of the appropriation of experience offers a nuanced view that encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. It invites us to examine the lenses through which we view the world and invites us to question whether our interpretations are truly grounded in objective reality or influenced by our own biases.In conclusion, Simon Bolivar's quote, "Judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment," encapsulates the fundamental relationship between judgment and experience. It underscores the idea that mistakes and failures can serve as invaluable opportunities for growth and learning. However, when juxtaposed with the philosophical concept of the appropriation of experience, it opens the door to a deeper exploration of how our judgments are not solely determined by experience but are also influenced by our subjective interpretations. By contemplating both Bolivar's quote and the appropriation of experience, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human judgment and the role of personal perceptions in shaping our interpretations of the world around us.