And so we polish our own lives, creating landscapes and canyons and peaks with the very silt we try to avoid, the dirt we disavow or hide or deny. It is the dirt of our lives-the depressions, the losses, the inequities, the failing grades in trigonometry, the e-mails sent in fear or hate or haste, the ways in which we encounter people different from us-that shape us, polish us to a heady sheen, make us in fact more beautiful, more elemental, more artful and lasting.
The quote emphasizes how the struggles and challenges we face in life contribute to our growth and individuality. It suggests that rather than avoiding or denying our difficulties, we should acknowledge them, as they are integral to shaping who we are. The various experiences—losses, mistakes, and encounters with diverse individuals—are like the dirt and silt that, when worked with, create something beautiful and lasting in our lives.
This perspective encourages a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our existence. By embracing our imperfections and hardships, we cultivate a richer, more authentic life. The metaphor of polishing ourselves using the very elements we often want to hide beautifully illustrates how struggles can lead to personal refinement and a more profound understanding of beauty in the human experience.
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