This quote by Dora Russell speaks to the idea of not listening to the wisdom of those around us. It suggests that we have not made the effort to take into consideration the guidance of those who have actually come before us, or those that have extra experience than us. It indicates that we have not made the effort to learn from the errors of others, or to gain insight from those that have actually undergone similar experiences. It is a pointer that we need to not be so quick to disregard the guidance of those who have preceded us, which we must take the time to consider the knowledge that is used to us. By doing so, we can acquire beneficial understanding and knowledge that can assist us make far better decisions and also lead us to a more effective future.
"Raising children is an incredibly hard and risky business in which no cumulative wisdom is gained: each generation repeats the mistakes the previous one made"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"