Wherever goodness lay, it did not lie in ritual, unthinking obeisance before a deity but rather, perhaps, in the slow clumsy, error-strewn working out of an individual or collective path.
The essence of goodness is not found in blind adherence to rituals or automatic worship of a higher power. Instead, it emerges from the deliberate and often imperfect journey of individuals or communities striving to discern their unique paths. This process is characterized by mistakes and learning, highlighting the importance of personal and collective exploration in seeking moral truths.
Salman Rushdie's "The Enchantress of Florence" suggests that the pursuit of goodness is a dynamic and evolving experience. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from active engagement and reflection rather than mere ceremonial practices. In doing so, it elevates the value of personal experience and the search for meaning over traditional forms of devotion.
