We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it -- and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again -- and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore.

Summary

This quote cautions us to extract valuable lessons from our experiences while being mindful of not generalized fear or avoiding potentially beneficial experiences as a result. It likens the situation to a cat that learns from sitting on a hot stove-lid and avoids it afterwards, but in turn, refuses to sit on any stove-lid (hot or cold) again. Thus, the quote advises us not to let the fear of past negative experiences prevent us from embracing new opportunities and potentially positive experiences.

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