Into the Woods: Journey to Self-Discovery

In much of your talking, thinking is half murdered. Kahlil Gibran, On Talking . I have been on this Journey to Self-Discovery for two months now and I’ve been asked by friends, strangers and the like “what have I discovered so far”. I have many thoughts on this question but the first is always of their facial expression. As I’m reciting my purpose, what I’ve done, what I’m trying to accomplish, the mentors of the 18 and 19 th century, and the books I’m reading, their expression is changing. Some are taken aback by such grand gestures against the ritual of the American Dream, almost ridiculing; others have this awestruck lust for the life I’m describing, awaiting the rest of the story. Nonetheless, immediately after their initial reaction, the expression is the same; they’re captivated. Often this wonder is met by my affliction. Why? Why do they have to live vicariously through the words of some insignificant number in the crowd, are they not as deserving as I? And w...