"To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience"

Saint Teresa of Avila’s words suggest that the path to good outcomes or enlightenment is neither linear nor devoid of errors. Encountering mistakes, losing direction, and making missteps are not merely unfortunate detours, but essential parts of the process. Through straying from what is perceived as the right path, one is provided with unique experiences—often those which cannot be gained through unbroken adherence to a prescribed route.

Experience gathered in error or uncertainty is a potent teacher. It imparts lessons about the self, the world, and the complexity of choices in a way that straightforward success cannot. Going astray forces a person to confront unexpected challenges, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and re-evaluate their assumptions. Such experiences instill resilience and wisdom, qualities that cannot be cultivated by simply following a smooth or predictable trajectory.

The ability to reach something good is closely tied to an openness toward growth through adversity. Without the humility to accept one’s own errors and the courage to learn from them, progress becomes shallow or stalled. Growth is deepened by reflecting on the moments when one was lost, uncertain, or even wrong. These periods of confusion or mistake expand understanding and foster empathy—for oneself and for others who falter.

Saint Teresa’s insight encourages a reimagining of what it means to “fail” or to “lose one’s way.” Rather than viewing such moments as shameful or wasteful, their value lies in the transformation they prompt. Experience, especially that born of error or confusion, becomes the foundation for attaining greater good—whether that is wisdom, morality, love, or faith. Thus, straying is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity. It is through the journey, with all its missteps and lessons, that true goodness is forged and appreciated.