"It's a little bit like my inability to read a guide book before I go anywhere. I can read it after I've been there and by the same logic I refuse to accept any technical stunts from anybody. I refused to learn more than I knew and I confess I missed a great deal"

In this quote, Ben Shahn is confessing to a personal defect - his tendency to not check out guide books before traveling to a new location. He compares this to his refusal to find out new technical skills from others. By not reading the guide book beforehand, he might miss out on essential information and experiences. Likewise, by declining to gain from others, he might lose out on valuable knowledge and opportunities. Shahn acknowledges that this stubbornness has actually caused him to miss out on a great deal. This quote acts as a reminder to be open up to finding out and to not let pride or stubbornness hold us back from development and brand-new experiences.