This quote means that sometimes it’s necessary to experience a difficult setback in order to really understand your strengths and weaknesses. After “taking a fall,” or experiencing a setback, you gain a clearer perspective on yourself. You can better understand what qualities you do and don’t possess, what you need to work on, and what you’re capable of doing. Ultimately, setbacks can help you learn more about yourself and can even lead to personal growth in the long run.