A lot of people give Goku shit about how he shouldn't have gave Cell a senzu bean when he was fighting against Gohan.

But there are three key facts that people always overlook

1: Had Goku not done that, the fight would've been over in an instant and Gohan would've never unlocked his hidden powers.

2: Since Gohan would've never unlocked Super Saiyan 2 meaning Cell would've still been stronger.

3: In Cell's eyes after being restored with the Senzu, he was too strong for anyone and wanted a worthy challenge. That's why he let Gohan power up all the way. Had he not gotten the Senzu, he would've gotten the mindset that he had to kill Gohan as quickly as possible.

Goku knew this because since Cell also has part if his personality he knows what he would do.

That clears that up. Au revoir!