Bull Quote by Mark Twain
“...the person that had took a bull by the tail once had learnt sixty or seventy times as much as a person that hadn't, and said a person that started in to carry a cat home by the tail was getting knowledge that was always going to be useful to him, and warn't ever going to grow dim or doubtful. Chances are, he isn't likely to carry the cat that way again, either. But if he wants to, I say let him!”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Learning from Experience, Mark Twain, 1880
Learning through hands‑on, risky experiences yields lasting knowledge, even if the method is unconventional.
In simple terms: Practical, daring experience teaches lasting lessons.
Key Takeaway
Embrace unconventional learning opportunities.
Themes
education
experience
practical wisdom
risk
growth
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- apprenticeships
- field work
- hands‑on training
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
experiential learning
risk tolerance
knowledge retention
Questions to Reflect On
- When is risky learning justified?
- How to balance safety with experiential gain?
A Different Perspective
Such risky methods can cause harm or be unsafe.
