To experience something "first hand" means to gain knowledge or understanding of it directly, by being personally involved or present, rather than learning about it from someone else or from secondary sources like books or media.
In essence, it's about direct, personal involvement. You're not just hearing about it; you're seeing, feeling, or participating in it yourself. This provides a deeper, often more accurate and impactful understanding than relying on second-hand accounts.
Here's a breakdown of what "first hand" implies:
- Direct Involvement: You are actively involved in the experience, not merely an observer.
- Personal Encounter: You are personally present or engaged in the situation.
- Authenticity: The knowledge or understanding gained is considered more genuine because it comes directly from the source.
- Deeper Understanding: Direct experience often leads to a more profound and nuanced comprehension compared to information obtained indirectly.
Examples:
- Instead of reading about the effects of poverty, volunteering at a homeless shelter provides a first hand understanding of the challenges people face.
- Instead of watching a documentary about war, a soldier's first hand experience of combat provides a significantly different and more personal perspective.
- Learning to code by writing your own program is experiencing it first hand, compared to just reading about coding concepts.
Therefore, "experiencing it first hand" emphasizes the importance of direct engagement for gaining a comprehensive and authentic understanding of something. It suggests a deeper level of knowledge derived from personal involvement, which often leads to more impactful and lasting insights.
