We take our bearings from the wrong landmark, wish that when young we had studied the stars - name the flowers for ourselves and the deserts after others. When the territory is charted, its eventual aspect may be quite other than what was hoped for. One can only say, it will be a whole - a region from which a few features, not necessarily those that seemed prominent at the start, will stand out in clear colours. Not to direct, but to solace us; not to fix our positions, but to show us how we came.
The passage reflects on the human tendency to navigate life based on misleading guides and external expectations rather than our true desires and aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and understanding one's own experiences, suggesting we often regret not pursuing our innate curiosities and passions when we were younger. By naming our own "flowers" and "deserts," we can reclaim our individuality and perspective.
As we chart our life's journey, the outcomes may diverge from our initial hopes. However, these results form a complete picture, often highlighting unexpected experiences that provide comfort and clarity about our past. Ultimately, the focus shifts from trying to control our direction to gaining insight into our unique paths, revealing the significance of our journey rather than just the destination.
