Modern technology allows us to instantly get the answer to virtually any question we might imagine. And while this might solve many problems, it’s a mistake to assume we can just be given the answers to life. The journey is the point for much of life more than merely having the right answers per se.
For instance, the point of school was to learn, and perhaps more accurately to learn how to learn. And this is why good teachers require us to show our work. It wasn’t enough to just have the right answer to pass the test. The journey of learning prepared our minds and formed our character to navigate the complex and challenging world we were entering into.
And this remains true throughout our life and relationships.
For example, much of our life’s calling is discovered on the way. While we might have a vision of where we’re going, we still must take the journey to get there. And we would shortchange much of the process, our growth, and even satisfaction if we could somehow just jump to the end.
Likewise, while there’s much wisdom in receiving advice and insights from others, no one can give us the step-by-step plan for relational success. We must be willing to engage in the sweat equity necessary to forge meaningful and lasting bonds with others. But this only happens on the way and through our struggle together.
To be sure, unlimited and instant information can be a useful tool to better our lives. Quick insights can save us time and help us to make informed decisions. But this cannot replace the growth and transformation that takes place on the journey itself. And we leave ourselves impotent when we try to jump to the end – assuming we can bypass the journey and just be given the answer.
In the end, leverage your access to unlimited information. But don’t neglect the journey along the way. True transformation happens on the journey and not simply by knowing the book answers to life.
Photo by Medienstürmer on Unsplash
