You have to have been through it, in order to understand it

You have to have been through it, in order to understand it

The saying "you have to have been through it, in order to understand it" holds a lot of truth when it comes to understanding certain experiences or situations. It implies that in order to truly comprehend something, one must have firsthand experience with it. This concept can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, from personal struggles to societal issues.

When it comes to personal struggles, such as mental health issues or traumatic events, it can be difficult for someone who has not experienced these things themselves to fully understand what others are going through. For example, someone who has never dealt with anxiety may struggle to empathize with a friend who is experiencing a panic attack. In this case, having gone through similar struggles can provide a deeper level of understanding and empathy.

Similarly, when it comes to societal issues such as racism or discrimination, those who have not experienced these forms of oppression may struggle to understand the impact they have on marginalized communities. It is often said that privilege blinds people to the struggles of others, and this is where the importance of having been through it comes into play. Those who have experienced discrimination firsthand are often better equipped to understand the complexities of these issues and advocate for change.