Wallace Stevens: 'The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it.'

The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it.

In the realm of philosophical musings, Wallace Stevens once said, "The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it." This quote suggests that navigating our way through the complexities of life is often more challenging than contemplating what lies beyond our mortal existence. At first glance, this statement seems straightforward, emphasizing the arduous journey through life. However, let us delve deeper into this idea by introducing an unexpected philosophical concept—existentialism—to bring a new depth and interest to the discussion.In essence, the quote highlights the immense difficulties one faces when traversing the intricate paths and challenges presented by daily existence. Life, with all its uncertainties, demands and responsibilities, can feel like an intricate labyrinth. We often find ourselves confronted with dilemmas, moral quandaries, and the constant search for purpose. Each decision we make, no matter how seemingly insignificant, shapes our journey through the world and influences our unique experience.The way beyond the world, on the other hand, alludes to the philosophical contemplation of what lies beyond our mortal existence. It refers to the exploration of the divine, transcendental, or metaphysical realms that exist beyond the physical boundaries of our earthly lives. This realm of thought encompasses questions about the afterlife, the existence of a higher power, and the search for meaning beyond what can be observed or experienced directly.When we compare and contrast these two realms—the way through the world and the way beyond it—we discern the apparent discrepancy in their levels of difficulty. While the way through the world is laden with challenges, uncertainties, and the quest for self-discovery, the way beyond it seems to offer a more straightforward path. Society, in its varying forms, provides us with structures, belief systems, and established norms to guide our understanding of what may lie beyond life's limitations. Religion, spirituality, and philosophical ideologies offer frameworks for comprehending the transcendent, giving us the tools to navigate these realms with a sense of certainty and direction.However, it is within this juxtaposition that a fascinating philosophical concept emerges—existentialism. Although existentialism might appear to align more closely with the way through the world, its core tenets challenge the assumed simplicity of the way beyond it. Existentialism challenges the very notion of predetermined structures, religious dogma, and societal expectations that pave the way beyond our earthly existence. Instead, it calls for individuals to confront the anxieties, uncertainties, and absolute freedom they encounter on their journey through the world.Existentialism posits that true authenticity and meaning can only be found by embracing one's existence wholly, without relying on external constructs. It encourages individuals to confront the existential dilemma head-on, acknowledging the inherent difficulties of navigating life without a predetermined path. Embracing this existential reality demands a courageous leap of faith into the unknown, free from the comforting confines of religion or societal norms. By doing so, one finds oneself fully responsible for shaping their own existence—a daunting yet liberating prospect.In light of this unexpected philosophical lens, Stevens' quote takes on new dimensions. It invites us to consider whether the way through the world, with all its complexities and uncertain paths, might be the realm that ultimately demands more strength, resilience, and personal growth. The way beyond it, though seemingly providing greater certainties, may serve as a refuge for those unwilling to confront the inherent mysteries and challenges of existence itself.In conclusion, Wallace Stevens' quote highlights the arduous nature of navigating life's complexities in comparison to the seemingly straightforward path beyond the physical world. However, by introducing existentialism as an unexpected philosophical concept, we begin to question the assumption of simplicity in the realm beyond. Existentialism challenges us to confront the difficulties of shaping our existence authentically, without the guidance of predetermined structures. Ultimately, this quote sheds light on the multifaceted nature of human journeying and forces us to rethink our assumptions about the paths we choose to follow.