Who indeed knows the secret of the earthly pilgrimage? Who knows for what we live, and struggle, and die? Who knows what keeps us living and struggling, while all things break about us? Who knows why the warm flesh of a child is such comfort, when one's own child is lost and cannot be recovered? Wise men write many books, in words too hard to understand. But this, the purpose of our lives, the end of all our struggle, is beyond all human wisdom.
The passage from "Cry, The Beloved Country" reflects on the profound mysteries of life and existence. It questions the purpose of human struggles, the reasons for our perseverance amidst suffering, and the comfort that love provides, especially in times of loss. The author suggests that these fundamental questions about life and death transcend the wisdom contained in scholarly writings, highlighting the limitations of human understanding when it comes to the essence of our existence.
This contemplation emphasizes a universal search for meaning within the challenges of life. It acknowledges the emotional bonds we form, particularly the love for our children, which offers solace in moments of grief. Paton articulates the struggle to comprehend life's purpose, suggesting that such understanding eludes even the wisest among us. Ultimately, he points to a deeper truth about our existence, one that may be inherently unknowable yet profoundly felt.