One of the many things that I've learned from quantum physics is that nothing is certain. Nothing can be taken for granted at the subatomic level. Instead, everything is expressed in probabilities.
The more certain you are of a subatomic particles speed the less certain you are of its location. No matter if you understand that or not really. All, I'm really trying to say is you can never know anything for certain at a subatomic level, just some are more probable than others.
It's really that way in life too. It's with everything in the world. Everything in the universe even. There is nothing for certain. You rely upon the sun coming up in the morning because that's been your experience your entire life. With all probability in your favor, it will likely happen again tomorrow. But it may not, something unpredictable, and something unknown could occur where it does not happen.
That's what makes life interesting for me anyway. That's what makes travel for me interesting. because I'm not always sure of the outcome. I don't know what's going to happen in the next day. I don't know what interaction I will encounter that will add value to my life.
Like I've said, before, even the bad experiences add to my life. I don't enjoy the bad experiences at the time, but in retrospect, they add value because they are a unique experience.
When I was shaked down by the South African cop in this story:
It was not a pleasant experience. But the $50 I lost from the encounter was a valuable lesson and worth at least $50. Because it taught me how I need to react to these situations in the future.
The unexpected can happen at any minute when traveling to foreign places. Like the time I made a mistake and was mobbed in Delhi, India:
At the time it was happening I was quite frightened, even though they were all women! But in retrospect, it was a great encounter that gives me a good story and a life-long memory
Every day brings a new set of probabilities and chance encounters. They can happen without travel, of course, but the probabilities of something unique happening in a foreign environment are greatly multiplied.
As I age I'm becoming less adventurous. Not mentally but physically. I don't think there are any more Amazon adventures for me, but who knows? But as I've said, variety is the spice of life, and the unique sets of probabilities with each adventure adds a new spice.
Learning from our mistakes. Man, have I learned a ton and it has made me a much better person. My mistakes cost me thousands but worth every penny. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏.
I think if you learn not to make a mistake over and over its a life long lesson. The learning experiences can always be put into your own value. Some may think 50 dollars is a hard lesson as others may not. It's totally up to that individuals experience