"I think that each of us must take what lessons he can from his pain. I may give reasons, lessons that I wish you to take to heart, but if you do not feel the truth of them for yourself what meaning is there?"

Hearing something, even agreeing with it rationally, is not the same thing as understanding it.

"But, perhaps, I would wish for you to learn to treasure that which is fleeting while it is within your grasp." It's a very Elven lesson, at that.