Short Play: "The only source of knowledge is experience."

Scene: A small meeting room with a round table and several chairs. A window shows the city outside with afternoon sunlight streaming in. There are stacks of papers and a laptop on the table.

Characters:

Pete (a 30-year-old man) - A young engineer recently appointed as a project leader for the first time in his life.
Tong (a middle-aged man, 50 years old) - A senior consultant for the company with over 30 years of experience.
Kam (a 25-year-old woman) - A new, energetic team member who recently graduated from university.
Opening Scene:

(Pete sits at the table, looking stressed while staring at his laptop. Tong enters the room with a stack of papers. Kam is standing by the side, holding some documents, preparing to sit.)

Pete: (sighs) "This project isn't easy at all. Everything is so complicated, and the time pressure... I’m afraid I'll mess it up."

Tong: (smiles slightly) "That's how it goes, Pete. Everyone feels like that on their first big task."

Pete: "But I thought I could handle everything better. I’ve read all the theories, we’ve prepared every step carefully, but why... why isn’t it going as planned?"

Tong: (chuckles softly) "Theories are just tools, Pete. They’re not everything."

Kam: (adds) "I agree, this project is tough. But according to the books I’ve read, if we plan well, things should go smoothly, right?"

Tong: (smiles) "That’s what we all used to think when we were young. Knowledge from books is useful, sure. But in the end... experience will be the real teacher."

Pete: "Experience? But I’ve been working for years now and still don’t feel like experience has taught me much."

Tong: (sits next to him) "Pete... knowledge from reading is just a starting point. It's like a map showing you the way, but the actual road... you need to walk it yourself."

Kam: (confused) "Do you mean the map might not be accurate?"

Tong: "Not exactly. The map might be right, but it only shows the general direction. When you start walking the path for real, you’ll encounter potholes, shortcuts, and obstacles that the map didn’t mention. That’s what experience teaches."

Pete: (thinking) "So... the problems we’re facing now are part of the learning process, right?"

Tong: "Exactly, Pete. No one succeeds on their first try. Every real success comes from learning through mistakes."

Kam: "So, does that mean... experience gives us a deeper understanding than theory?"

Tong: (nods) "That’s right. Experience is the only source of knowledge that lets us understand the world in our own way. Because experience isn’t just about reading or hearing; it’s about actually living through it."

Pete: (smiles) "I see now. I guess I need to be more open to learning from experience and adapting to whatever comes my way."

Tong: "That’s the spirit, Pete. This project will make you stronger for sure. Remember, knowledge comes during the journey, not just at the destination."

Closing Scene:

(Pete and Kam begin confidently planning the next steps. Tong watches them with a smile, as if seeing a reflection of his younger self.)