"Tous ceux qui errent ne sont pas perdus"

Sometimes, people think that if you're not following the straight and narrow, you must be lost, confused, or without direction. That’s not always the case. This quote is all about embracing the journey, even if it’s unconventional or doesn’t seem to have a clear destination. It’s okay to explore, to take the unbeaten paths, to wander a bit—because wandering doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lost.

This saying was penned by J.R.R. Tolkien in his poem "All that is gold does not glitter" from his famous fantasy novel, "The Lord of the Rings". It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Just because someone is wandering doesn’t mean they don’t know where they’re going. They might be finding themselves or discovering new things—sometimes the journey itself is the destination.

To put this in a real-life context, think about Steve Jobs. Before he co-founded Apple, he dropped out of college and spent time traveling through India, experimenting with psychedelic drugs, and dabbling in Eastern spirituality. From the outside, it might’ve seemed like he was wasting his time or that he was lost. But this period of wandering was crucial for him. It broadened his perspectives and significantly influenced his creative vision when he eventually revolutionized the tech world.

So, how can we use this wisdom in our lives? Simple. Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route. If something piques your interest, whether it’s a different career path, a new hobby, or traveling to an unknown place, go for it! You don’t always need a detailed plan. Sometimes, the most unexpected experiences shape you in ways structured plans never could.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend who’s feeling stuck in their job. They’re scared to leave because they don’t have another lined up. You tell them about this quote. You say, “Hey, it’s alright to take some time off to figure things out. Maybe travel, try freelancing, or even just take a break to read and learn new skills. It's okay to wander for a bit.” Your friend might just realize that taking a step back to explore could lead them to a path they never imagined.

Think about a personal story. Imagine you're fresh out of college, and everyone around you seems to have their lives figured out—they’re landing jobs, getting into grad school, and you... well, you decide to take a year off to travel. Your relatives are worried, your friends are puzzled, but you feel this urge to see the world. You backpack through Europe, volunteer in Southeast Asia, and work odd jobs in Australia. Through these experiences, you gain a rich tapestry of life lessons, meet incredible people, and discover your passion for environmental conservation. A year later, you return home with a clear vision and purpose, ready to start a career in a field you’re truly passionate about.

So if you feel called to wander—embrace it. Not all who wander are lost, and sometimes, wandering is the best way to find out where you truly belong.