We are the sum of our experiences. Interacting with all that surrounds us defines who we are. Our identity, therefore, invariably changes and grows. And it's not so much our actions as their consequences that dictate who we are becoming.
The most powerful type of learning is what we discover for ourselves. In order to do that, we must have the courage and discipline to seek out truth, for it is knowledge that influences who we are. Some believe in relativistic openness, which encourages abandoning the pursuit of truth and surrendering to the belief that all answers are equally valid. But "the unexamined life is not worth living," Socrates said. When there's no journey, there can't be a destination—or much to strive for. If a person's experiences are limited, so is his potential because he has little insight to build his life on.
Traveling exposes us to new perspectives that continually shape us into a better version of ourselves. It dispels misconceptions we may have carried for most of our lives. We feel the magnitude of an entire culture's throbbing energy. We communicate not only linguistically, but also spiritually and understand and respect each other's humanity. As we explore, we become more competent individuals able to handle all sorts of situations. We're more mature in accepting responsibility for our actions and more wise in thinking through the consequences of them.
The ability to live like someone else and observe how and what they think and why fosters a newfound respect for that lifestyle. Or, perhaps, it cautions of what may happen if we stray from the path. Either way, it serves as a humbling reminder of our ignorance. It teaches commitment to compassion. When in a zone of familiarity, the way we interact with or react to things is numbed out of habit. We may be able to close the door and ignore a problem. But when presented with unfamiliar or challenging circumstances, there's no other option, but to face things head-on. We are guided by nothing but what we know—our conscience and our experiences. And it's in those trying situations when who we are is revealed. We don't live this life for anyone but ourselves. And just as we're born alone, we die alone. When all else is stripped away, what we're left with is who we are. Let's hope our company is worth it.
