The outcome of merely “studying” without “applying” (which is the reality for most Chinese students) is that after more than a decade, they are still studying and still lack practical use (which is the reality for most Chinese students).
The reason for “studying a lifetime” yet insisting on “never using it a lifetime” is the fear of making mistakes. When children make mistakes, they often face punishment. After adulthood, even without punishment from others, making mistakes can lead to self-inferiority and embarrassment. Therefore, many people avoid errors “at all costs.” However, you must know that the process of acquiring knowledge cannot be separated from trial and error. Without trial and error, comprehensive and genuine progress is impossible. So, you must know that making mistakes is normal, even indispensable. When doing things, making mistakes is inevitable. If you are doing something and there are absolutely no mistakes, then you are not doing something—you are dreaming.
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