Learning

After reading through various sources on Lincoln, we have come to learn that Abraham Lincoln had a thirst for knowledge and whenever he didn't know something, he did whatever possible to teach himself said topic. For example, with the civil war full in swing, Lincoln was realizing that he had no real military knowledge and wanted to become more familiar with the art of war. He began reading books about war strategies. He soon realized that reading a book on how to fight a war was extremely different then actually fighting the war. Is it safe to assume that for this situation hands on experience is of more value?