Here's what Benjamin Franklin likely meant by this:
* Hindsight is 20/20: It's easy to look back on events and understand what happened, why it happened, and what the consequences were. We have all the information at our disposal, making it clear to see the cause and effect.
* Predicting the future is difficult: Looking ahead, however, is much more challenging. We have limited information, and the future is full of uncertainties. There are many factors that can influence events, and it's often impossible to predict how they will interact.
In essence, Franklin is highlighting the difference between understanding the past and foreseeing the future. While we can easily see things in retrospect, accurately predicting what will happen is much harder.
This aphorism has several implications:
* Humility: It reminds us not to be too quick to judge or criticize decisions made in the past, as we might not have had the same information available.
* Caution: It encourages us to be cautious when making predictions or planning for the future, recognizing that there are many unknowns.
* Flexibility: It suggests that we need to be adaptable and willing to adjust our plans as new information emerges.
The aphorism is a timeless reminder of the limitations of human foresight and the importance of considering the unknown when making decisions.