We like to assume that if we do the same thing the same way it will have the same outcome each time. Most things do work in this straightforward manner, but not all things work in a predictable manner and not all things work the same forward and backward.
“I would rather add wisdom to my stupidity than add stupidity to my wisdom.”
That saying is a perfect example of how things don’t always work in straight lines. Perspective, order, and context matter quite a bit. Just because something seems to work and be predictable in one direction doesn’t mean it always will.
But it’s easy to fall into the trap of spotting a few parameters and leaping to a conclusion. It’s something that I still catch myself falling into, but as I grow a little older (not necessarily wiser) maybe I’ll learn to control this impulse better.
I don’t even know if this makes sense, but I have a commitment to write every day and I’m running out of time today. (see the straight-line assumptions I make in that sentence?)