This quote emphasizes the intrinsic link between decision-making and the acquisition of wisdom. It suggests that true wisdom often emerges as a result of making choices rather than pre-existed to guide those choices. When faced with a decision, individuals step into the unknown, and their subsequent experiences and reflections lead to a deeper understanding, thus cultivating wisdom. If one were to possess wisdom beforehand, choices wouldn't be necessary, and life would be solely governed by fixed policies or rules. Such a perspective encourages embracing uncertainties and risks, trusting that in making decisions, we naturally grow wiser. This process is fundamental to personal growth and learning, acknowledging that mistakes and successes alike contribute to our developmental journey. It challenges the notion of seeking perfect knowledge before acting, highlighting that wisdom itself is a byproduct of action, analysis, and reflection over time. It underscores that decisions are not just about immediate consequences but also about the ongoing transformation they foster within us. Thus, recognizing that wisdom trails behind our choices inspires a mindset of active engagement with life's uncertainties. We learn, adapt, and mature by deliberately choosing, understanding that wisdom is a journey, not merely a destination. In this light, each decision, regardless of its outcome, becomes an opportunity for growth and insight, shaping who we are and how we navigate the complexities of life.

(Out of Oz) - Gregory Maguire