A man seeks his own destiny and no other, said the judge. Wil or nill. Any man who could discover his own fate and elect therefore some opposite course could only come at last to that selfsame reckoning at the same appointed time, for each man's destiny is as large as the world he inhabits and contains within it all opposites as well. The desert upon which so many have been broken is vast and calls for largeness of heart but it is also ultimately empty. It is hard, it is barren. Its very nature is stone.
The judge's reflection emphasizes that every man is on a personal journey to discover his own destiny. Regardless of the choices he makes, he will inevitably face his fate at the designated time. This suggests that while individuals have the freedom to choose their paths, their destinies are interconnected with the larger world, encompassing all possible outcomes and experiences. In this sense, life offers a myriad of choices, yet ultimately leads everyone to a common conclusion.
The imagery of the vast desert symbolizes the challenges and hardships that individuals encounter. It represents the struggles that can break many, highlighting the need for strength and resilience. Despite its emptiness and harshness, the desert also evokes introspection, suggesting that navigating one's destiny requires not only courage but also a profound understanding of oneself and the surrounding world, exemplifying the tension between exploration and desolation.
