Nicholas Roerich
*The Wayfarer of the City of Light*, 1933

Roerich returns to a favorite subject: a lone traveler crossing majestic mountains toward a radiant sanctuary. The City of Light represents the highest spiritual goal. But how can we follow a narrow mountain path without being overwhelmed by the abyss? An old tale offers an answer:

A traveler asked a mountain guide, “How do you walk so easily along these narrow, slippery paths above the gorge? I shake with fear.”

The guide smiled. “On the way across, I’m fetching water—my family and I need it to live. On the way back, I’m eager to see them again, so I don’t think about the drop.”

It isn’t heroism, but having something important to live for that pushes fear aside. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s keeping going despite it.

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