"A single idea, if it is right, saves us the labor of an infinity of experiences"

This quote by Jacques Maritain talks to the power of a single concept. It suggests that if we have the right idea, it can conserve us from needing to go through an apparently endless amount of experiences. This could be interpreted in a couple of various ways. It might mean that if we have the best concept, we can avoid making mistakes and having to gain from them. It might also imply that if we have the right concept, we can save ourselves from having to go through a great deal of trial and error. In either case, the quote is highlighting the importance of having the right idea. It recommends that having the right idea can conserve us from having to go through a great deal of experiences, which it can be more effective than needing to learn from our errors.