He 'profited by' his experience/mistake. [=he learned something useful from his experience/mistake]
The book can be read with 'profit' by anyone who wants to understand how the system works.
We sold the house 'at a profit'. [=we made a profit when we sold our house]
(..) - that brought you screaming into this world! I did not pay good money for you for your company! - I paid it so that I could profit from your death. And as your mother was there at your beginning, so I shall be there at your end. - And when you die, and die you shall, (..)2000 Gladiator