"همه کسانی که سرگردانند گم نشده‌اند"

Sometimes it’s easy to assume that when people are wandering—when they're taking a path that seems aimless or unconventional—they're somehow lost or lacking purpose. But that’s not always true. In fact, the core idea here is that wandering can be a deliberate choice, a way of exploring and learning that doesn’t follow a straight line. You might think of it like a road trip with no fixed destination, just a journey to gather experiences and insights that you wouldn’t encounter on a direct route.

This saying comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s poem “All that is gold does not glitter,” featured in "The Lord of the Rings." It was penned as part of a larger narrative, but it resonates beyond the story. Historically, it speaks to the idea of not judging others based on their apparent lack of direction, and it encourages embracing uncertainty as a valid part of the human experience.

Picture a real-life example: Steve Jobs. He dropped out of college and spent months drifting through creative classes, even sleeping on friends' floors. To some, it might have seemed like he was lost. But his wandering path led him to calligraphy classes, where he learned about typeface design. This seemingly aimless detour played a crucial role in the development of the Mac's beautiful typography. His journey wasn’t linear, but it was far from pointless.

When it comes to applying this wisdom, think about your own life. Are there areas where you’re hesitant to explore just because they don’t fit into a clear plan? Don’t be afraid to wander. Take that art class, travel to an unfamiliar place, or start a hobby that doesn’t seem to have obvious career benefits. These experiences can add depth and unexpected value to your life.

Imagine a young woman named Sarah. She’s always had a passion for cooking, but her parents push her towards a stable career in accounting. Sarah decides to take a gap year after college to travel through Europe and Asia to learn about different cuisines. Her parents worry she’s throwing away her future, but Sarah remains undeterred. She spends her time apprenticing with local chefs, learning techniques and flavors that can’t be found in textbooks. When she returns, she starts a unique fusion restaurant that becomes a huge success. Her wandering was filled with purpose, even if it wasn’t obvious at the start.

So, next time you find yourself or someone else drifting from the beaten path, remember that not all who wander are lost. Embrace the journey, collect those experiences, and trust that sometimes the scenic route is the most rewarding. It’s okay not to have everything figured out—life isn’t a straight line, and sometimes the detours are the best parts.