Horizons can inspire awe, curiosity, and wonder in people who observe them, as they offer a glimpse of the vastness and beauty of nature.
They conjure up images of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, of new starts and the end of an eventful day. But, they also reflect opportunities and the next steps in our life journeys.
Horizons and ‘new dawns’ share the platform of hope, excitement and adventure — sometimes awe and fear — for many. The horizons of travel and ocean vistas loom large for wanderers and those who spend time along coastlines philosophising about our planet and the universe. They sometimes indicate the first signs of developing storms or the approach of ocean travellers. During times of military conflict, their role has always been huge.
Christopher McCandless reflects a positive and stirring take on the role of this fascinating notion in his quote: “The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
Another perspective comes from Mehmet Muratildan, which highlights fundamental differences among people:
“Some people close their eyes to the horizons; some people sit and watch the horizons; some visit the horizons and some incredible people go beyond the horizons!”
Perhaps those who “go beyond the horizons” experience more fun and excitement, while those who “close their eyes” live safer, but much less fulfilling lives.
As humans develop through childhood to adulthood, for most there is an inevitable broadening of horizons that develops in step with education, understanding and perspective.
Advancing maturity is another pillar that combines with experience to nourish wisdom and the considered choices of horizons.
“We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.” — Konrad Adenauer.
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” — Dale Carnegie
Horizons can challenge us to explore and discover or they can discourage us from venturing out of our comfort zone. They can fill us with hope and excitement, or make us feel fearful and hopeless.
Horizons are not just physical phenomena, but also psychological and symbolic ones. They reflect our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world.
Whether viewed as mystical, mythical or figurative, horizons play a defining role in how we conduct our lives and perceive the realities of our planet
