REFLECTION,n: An Action of the mind whereby we obtain a clearer view of our relation to the things of yesterday and are able to avoid the perils that we shall not again encounter
Interpretation
Reflection helps us understand our past and prevent future mistakes.
The quote emphasizes the importance of reflection as a mental exercise that allows individuals to gain insights into their past experiences. By examining our previous actions and their consequences, we can inform our future decisions and avoid repeating errors we have encountered before.
In practice
During a workshop on personal growth, I quoted Ambrose Bierce to highlight the value of understanding our past.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.
Anne laughed and sighed. She felt very old and mature and wise — which showed how young she was.
History is apt to judge harshly those who sacrifice tomorrow for today.
One of the the great things about having had something that didn't work out is: So what? I am fine.
I have tried to be a man of letters in love with ideas in order to be a wiser and more loving person, hoping to leave the world just a little better than I found it.
No mistake is so commonly made by clever people as that of assuming a cause to be bad because the arguments of its supporters are, to a great extent, nonsensical
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