Meaning: Art Linkletter, a renowned journalist, once made a thought-provoking statement about the criticism he received for condemning marijuana despite never having tried it. His analogy, comparing his lack of personal experience with marijuana to obstetricians never being pregnant, succinctly encapsulates the idea that one does not need to personally experience something in order to form a valid opinion about it.

The quote addresses the common misconception that one must have firsthand experience with a particular issue in order to have a valid opinion about it. Linkletter's response to being questioned by kids about his stance on marijuana highlights the fallacy in this line of thinking. He effectively argues that expertise and knowledge about a subject can be gained through research, observation, and understanding, without necessarily having direct personal experience.

Linkletter's comparison of his lack of experience with marijuana to obstetricians never being pregnant is particularly powerful. Obstetricians, as experts in childbirth and pregnancy, do not need to have personally experienced pregnancy in order to provide expert care and advice to pregnant women. Similarly, Linkletter suggests that his lack of personal experience with marijuana does not invalidate his ability to form an informed opinion about its potential consequences and effects.

This quote also raises the broader issue of the validity of opinions and expertise. It challenges the notion that personal experience is the only valid source of knowledge and understanding. Linkletter's assertion that the greatest obstetricians in the world have never been pregnant serves as a reminder that expertise and understanding can be acquired through study, research, and professional experience, even in the absence of personal involvement.

Furthermore, the quote touches upon the concept of empathy and understanding. While personal experiences can certainly enhance one's understanding of certain issues, they are not the sole determinant of empathy and compassion. Linkletter's response suggests that one can empathize and understand the consequences of certain behaviors or substances without having firsthand experience, relying instead on empathy, observation, and understanding of the experiences of others.

In a broader societal context, this quote challenges individuals to critically evaluate the basis of their opinions and judgments. It encourages people to consider the sources of their knowledge and understanding, acknowledging that personal experience is just one of many factors that can inform an opinion.

In conclusion, Art Linkletter's quote effectively challenges the common notion that personal experience is the only valid source of knowledge and understanding. By comparing his lack of experience with marijuana to obstetricians never being pregnant, he highlights the fallacy in this line of thinking and emphasizes the importance of expertise, empathy, and understanding in forming valid opinions and making informed judgments. This quote serves as a reminder that knowledge and understanding can be acquired through various means, and that personal experience is not the sole determinant of expertise and empathy.