In the narrative of "Shadowplay" by Tad Williams, the protagonist reflects on the nature of experience and suffering. They suggest that while gaining experience was straightforward, understanding how to avoid unnecessary pain would have been far more beneficial. This insight highlights the often-overlooked wisdom that not all experiences are valuable, especially those that lead to suffering.

The quote emphasizes a crucial aspect of the human journey: learning from trials is important, but devising strategies to evade hardship can lead to greater wisdom. The protagonist's realization serves as a poignant reminder of the balance between experiencing life and seeking to mitigate its challenges, making it a significant theme in the book.