Learning from mistakes
Two brothers came to prophet Daud (David) and said “Judge between us, we are in dispute”. One of them said “This is my brother. He has ninety nine sheep and I have one sheep. He is now forcing me to give up my single sheep to him”.
So, prophet Daud without listening to the other brother said “He has undoubtedly wronged you in demanding to add your single sheep to his flock. He should return your sheep to you!”. Once he has delivered his judgment, two brothers disappeared into the air. Propet Daud realized that these were two angels and that he was just tested by God and that he made a mistake — he didn’t listen to both sides of the story before delivering his judgment.
So, he fell prostrating asking for forgiveness from God. And God forgave him. (Quran 38:21-25)
When mufassireen (interpreters) of Quran talk about this story they say that Daud after the mistake was a better Daud than before the mistake. In other words, after the mistake he was wiser and more knowledgeable than before.
Moral of the story: mistakes can be a great source of knowledge if we derive lessons from them, and learn from them.
About a month ago, problogger posted a blog-post on his blog asking readers “What is the biggest mistake you have made as a blogger?“. I am not sure if you have read this post and comments under it. There are over 200 comments where readers share their mistakes as a blogger and how their mistakes affected their blog negatively (directly or indirectly).
So, if you haven’t read it, go to the page and go through the comments. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt for everyone.
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By seo blog on Jun 2, 2008
Even though you are better off learning from your own mistakes there is nothing stopping you from learning from others.
By shawal on Jun 2, 2008
Engineer learn from a mistake to build a extreme engineering.
Mankind learn from a mistake to be a better civilization.
By Rajaie AlKorani on Jun 2, 2008
When you first make a mistake in anything, you shouldn’t become frustrated, instead you should think about how it has helped you.
By JennyHow on Jun 2, 2008
That’s interesting. My mistakes? hmmm, I think it’s not learning to blog sooner.
By SEOrious Results on Jun 2, 2008
Hiya Ades, thank you for the insightful post. Learning from one’s mistakes is the only way to experience growth, on all levels. Admitting you’ve made a mistake is a critical 1st step, however…am heading over to Probloggert o go assimilate some lessons now. Have an awesome day!
By Dining Tables on Jun 2, 2008
“There is no fool like the fool who will continue to kick the rubbish of his mistakes along the path ahead of him, and then be compelled to stumble over these mistakes a second time….”
—-Fred Van Amburgh
Great post and the comments while taking some time to go through are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks.
By Marketing Man on Jun 2, 2008
Hi Ades. I think mankind has come along way, the Internet definitely helps, but people are taking responsibility for their mistakes more often and are embracing them. Learning what we have done wrong is the start of knowing what to do right.
By Eva White on Jun 3, 2008
So true. If only people heard the other side of the story they wouldn’t jump to the wrong conclusions.
By Make Money Blogging on Jun 6, 2008
I like the post. I’ve read it on a few occasions and its good to know that you are not alone.