A path always leads somewhere, and someone has already taken it. It also says many things: its shape indicates how often it is used, by what means and by whom; its stops mark its length before the next destination; its upkeep and relief announce the conditions under which it can be travelled. Those who take it may heed the advice of those who have gone before, or they may ignore it. Its junctions and forks are just as many possibilities to discover.
The path can be more or less well-marked, and can be approached as an adventurer, traveler or tourist. It can lead directly to your destination, or take you through several stages. It may be a necessary passage before reaching the crossroads we're interested in. The road is strewn with unforeseen events, depending on encounters and conditions along the way, and can be as sublime as it is trying. The road transforms us long before we arrive.
The educational analogy of the path is evocative. You can follow the path alone, in a team, in a caravan or in a group. You can be guided, use a map or a GPS, or go off on an adventure with or without a compass and trace the path beyond the last stopover. Where you become a researcher, a discoverer, where no one has ever been and returned. Everyone can contribute to improving the route. Following the path of learning implies that one day you'll use what you've learned, demonstrating that you haven't just been transported. The journey requires participation.
It can be interesting to take the freeway or the TGV to go fast, but there comes a time when you have to leave the fast lanes. The back roads lead to the people, the side roads or paths that end in creek beds herald the unknown.
New territories open up with every threshold crossed. Something comes from there, something goes through there... it all has to lead somewhere! The paths to knowledge are infinite; to travel them, preparation is preferable but not essential. Above all, you have to set out, even if it means making several attempts before you get somewhere.
Bon voyage
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration: 2624634625
