Quote of the Day by Walter Wriston: “Judgment comes from experience – and experience comes from bad judgment” | Today’s news
“Judgment comes from experience – and experience comes from bad judgment.”
An observation by Walter Wriston, the influential American banker and former chairman of Citibank, remains relevant decades after it was first shared. Although this statement is brief, it captures a reality recognized across professions, industries, and everyday life: people often develop sound judgment not through perfection, but through learning from mistakes.
The meaning of the quote
At its core, the quote suggests that experience is rarely gained under ideal circumstances. Instead, individuals often learn their most valuable lessons after making bad decisions, facing setbacks, or facing unexpected consequences. This phrase challenges the notion that expertise emerges naturally or instantly. Rather, he argues that growth is often the result of trial, error, and reflection.
The quote also highlights the relationship between failure and learning. Poor judgment can lead to disappointment, financial loss, missed opportunity or personal hardship. However, these experiences often provide insights that cannot be gained through theory alone. By understanding what went wrong and why, people are better equipped to assess risks, recognize warning signs and make more informed decisions in the future.
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Relevance of the quote
The meaning of Wriston’s words extends far beyond business. In a professional environment, leaders often learn from failed projects or strategic mistakes. Entrepreneurs often describe failed ventures as critical stepping stones to ultimate success. Similarly, in fields such as medicine, engineering, and public policy, experiences gained through challenges often shape more effective decision-making.
The quote also resonates on a personal level. Whether it’s navigating relationships, education, finances, or choosing a career, individuals routinely encounter situations where decisions don’t produce the desired outcome. Such moments can be difficult, but they often contribute to maturity, resilience and greater self-awareness. In this sense, mistakes become not only obstacles, but opportunities for development.
How can we apply this in real life?
Applying the principle in real life requires a willingness to admit mistakes rather than ignore them. Leadership and personal development experts often emphasize the importance of reflection, accountability and adaptability. Instead of viewing mistakes as mere failures, individuals can examine what happened, identify lessons learned, and adjust their approach moving forward. This process transforms experience into practical wisdom and strengthens future judgment.
Related quote
A related quote often attributed to American author and motivational speaker Denis Waitley reflects a similar theme: “Failure should be our teacher, not our funeral home. Failure is a delay, not a defeat.”
The point of this second quote is that failures should be seen as learning experiences rather than permanent endings. Waitley’s words reinforce the idea that failure does not determine one’s future prospects. Instead, it provides an opportunity to learn, adapt, and continue to progress toward a goal. Like Wriston’s observation, this quote encourages perseverance and a constructive response to adversity.
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Together, these two quotes represent a consistent message of growth and success. They suggest that mistakes and failures, although often unpleasant, can play a vital role in the development of knowledge, judgment and resilience. In an age that often celebrates success while overlooking the lessons of failure, their message remains relevant and widely applicable.
The enduring appeal of Wriston’s remark lies in its simple but powerful recognition that wisdom is often gained through experience, and experience itself is often shaped by the lessons of imperfect choices.
