Wanderer: the lost soul?

Life has long been believed to be a personal journey, from coming into the world to departing. However, the meaning, nature and direction of this journey are hardly inherently provided for. Instead, cognitive evolution and its material manifestations, in the name of cultural dynamics and their underlying rules, dictate the purpose and course of an individual’s life. Though these laws evolve over time, they often fail to proportionately respond to the human inquisitiveness.

Those taking the oft-trodden paths within the confines of established social norms find direction, purpose and success in life. Notwithstanding the scope of adhering to established norms, the human quest to delve into unknowns by pushing the bounds of familiarity has hardly been pointless. As most established purposes and laws are outcomes of social constructivism, they are barely conclusive. Therefore, the notion of uncritical conformism fails to acknowledge the profound significance of wandering and its transformative capacity to unveil the depths of our existence and untapped possibilities within us. Thanks to the inherent infinitude and continuum of life, coupled with the consistent human quest for wandering, societies have evolved into these post-modern times.

The act of wandering nonetheless stretches beyond the physical displacement; it metaphorically signifies the essence of the human longing for intellectual and spiritual ventures. If there were no deviations across social evolution, life would remain confined to the narrowest edges of stagnation. As a departure from the confines of convention and conformity, wandering marks an explorative journey deep into the recesses and depths of our mind to unearth the unexplored facets of life.

First, wandering carries substantial weight in the realms of innovation and creativity. Remember most groundbreaking inventions and discoveries have been made by those who dared to explore the erstwhile unexplored, worked unconventionally and ventured into the wilderness of uncertainty. This is why wanderers comprise most pioneers, movers, makers, molders and drivers of social evolution. They drive social diversity by challenging the norms and practices of the status quo and providing an alternative set of thoughts and actions.

Second, it promotes the acceptance of individuality. In a world where societal norms often dictate our actions, it emphasises that a one-size-fits-all approach to life doesn’t exist. Since people harbour diverse interests, goals and aspirations, their lives may take unconventional roads. Though these wanderers might seem lost to those on a more conventional path, they are, in fact, charting their own course.

Third, wandering, often seen as purposeless, holds immense value in the journey of self-discovery. It’s a departure from the structured, linear paths we often follow, allowing us to explore uncharted territories within ourselves. We encounter diverse perspectives, challenge our assumptions and refine our values.

Fourth, it promotes a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Often, the unexpected turns of events divert us from our planned strategies. Against this backdrop, those possessing a wandering spirit cultivate a relatively greater ability to brave the challenges of the unknown with grace and navigate the twists and turns of life.

Fifth, wandering in the realm of adventure and travel embodies the spirit of exploration. The explorer comes up with profound experiences in the unknown landscape and cultural settings. It is, therefore, mainly in these wanderings that the diversity and richness of the world unfold.

Last but not least, wandering holds ample significance on a much deeper and philosophical level. It implies that the human quest for meaning and purpose in life rarely follows a linear path. This is why humans have always felt the need to traverse the unknown landscape, challenge established norms and question the unquestionable in life.

Though wanderers might appear aimless, they often personify an inherent quest for creativity, self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the world. Unless their actions harm those around them, their wandering manifests the overlooked truth that less-traveled paths often lead to extraordinary destinations.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2023.

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