However much you study, you cannot know without action. A donkey laden with books is neither an intellectual nor a wise man. Empty of essence, what learning has he whether upon him is firewood or book?

Meaning: Your own mistakes can teach caution, but another person’s experience may offer the same lesson without the same cost. Listen for relevant lessons before repeating an avoidable error.

Meaning: A lesson that costs something can make its consequences easier to remember. The saying values learning from experience, without requiring costly mistakes or treating every painful experience as an improvement.

Meaning: People may ask for advice and readily offer it while being less willing to follow it. Consider whether guidance fits the situation, rather than assuming that asking means agreeing to act on every suggestion.

Meaning: Asking for advice achieves little if someone refuses to consider using it. The saying questions the purpose of the request, while leaving room to examine advice critically and reject recommendations that are unsuitable or wrong.