Ever made a decision and then later say, “I wished I knew that?” I have. Difficult though it is to believe, I’ve actually done it more than once. Don’t let it get out, but it’s happened to me more times than I can remember.

A few times the result is permanent and I am still paying the price. In some cases it’s physical; in other situations, it’s emotional.

So much, I’d like to forewarn others. The problem is, no matter some will not pay attention. To be sure, I must plead guilty to ignoring the wisdom imparted to me.

When I was young, I was admonished to learn from my mistakes. Certainly, that is a good thing. We certainly don’t want to smash the same with the same hammer twice, let alone 3 or 4 times.

However, as wise as that may be, isn’t it better to learn from the mistakes of others. That is to say, when we see the other guy whack his thumb, maybe we should take care not to smack ours.

Yet we have a nation full of those who see others become addicted to drugs, they still think they will be able to maintain control over it. Then, a while later, they become the example that still others ignore.

Then, of course, the one thing said is “If I only knew.”

It is the tragedy of ignorance. Moreover it’s willful and repetitive. I used the example of drug addiction, but it happens in a hundred other ways as well.

Not only that, but it is also practiced by society. Let’s face it. How many today are saying, “If I only knew, I’d have never voted for Joe.” Perhaps one of those was a very intelligent man, Elon Musk. At least he has repented but it is a little late. Hopefully, when it comes time to vote, our society will have learned from the mistake.

Then again, am I asking too much?