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

The quote by Simon Bolivar—“Judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement”—captures a timeless truth about the learning process and the development of wisdom. Bolivar suggests that good judgement, the ability to make sound decisions, is not something we are born with, but something we earn through trial and error. It’s a progression: we make mistakes through bad judgement, those mistakes teach us lessons, and those lessons form the experience that eventually leads to better decision-making.

Known as "El Libertador," Simon Bolivar was a military and political leader who played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from Spanish rule. His leadership involved numerous difficult choices, strategic errors, and political complexities. This quote likely reflects his understanding that leadership and maturity come through facing adversity and learning from failures. His life, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, made him a strong voice on the value of learning through doing.

The core idea here is deeply humbling: it acknowledges that mistakes are not just inevitable but necessary for growth. Bolivar removes the stigma from failure, framing it instead as a stepping stone to insight and better judgement. This philosophy encourages resilience, urging people not to fear making wrong choices, but to use those experiences as opportunities for development and self-awareness.

Ultimately, Bolivar’s quote serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is hard-won. It doesn't come from avoiding mistakes but from embracing them, reflecting on them, and choosing to improve. This message applies broadly—from leadership and politics to everyday life—underscoring the importance of self-reflection, learning, and the courage to keep growing.