This quote is a metaphor that suggests the idea of learning through direct, and often uncomfortable, experiences. Holding a cat by its tail is an unpleasant experience for both the person and the cat. It’s not a recommended way to handle a cat, and the person doing this will quickly learn why, as the cat will likely react in a negative and potentially painful way.

The point Twain is making is that sometimes, we learn the most valuable lessons not from books or secondhand advice, but from making mistakes and facing the consequences. These lessons are often more vivid and impactful because they are learned through personal experience.

In today’s world, this concept is highly relevant. For instance, in the realm of entrepreneurship, many successful business people often talk about the value of failure. They argue that the lessons learned from failed ventures often pave the way for future successes. This is because failure provides firsthand experience and knowledge about what does not work, which is often more valuable than theoretical understanding.

In terms of personal development, this idea suggests that stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks can lead to significant growth. It’s easy to stay within the realm of what we already know and are comfortable with, but this rarely leads to learning or development. By pushing ourselves to try new things, even if they’re uncomfortable or we make mistakes, we gain insights and knowledge we would not have otherwise acquired.

In essence, Twain’s quote is a call to embrace the uncomfortable and the unknown, as it is often in these spaces that the most profound learning occurs.