Life is like an onion. You peel it off one layer at a time, and

"Life is like an onion. You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep." Ah, Carl Sandburg, the poet who understood the essence of human existence. Life is not a simple journey from point A to point B, nor is it a clear, predictable path. It is more akin to the peeling of an onion, where each layer reveals something new, something deeper. As we move through life, we are constantly uncovering different aspects of ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us. And as we peel away those layers, there are moments of beauty and moments of pain—sometimes we weep because the process of unveiling the truth is not always painless.

Consider the story of Hercules, the mighty hero of Greek mythology, whose life was marked by trials and suffering. In order to achieve greatness, he had to face his Labors, each one a different layer of the onion of his life. From slaying the Hydra to capturing the Ceryneian Hind, each task peeled back another layer of his strength, his resilience, and his very soul. But with every victory, there was also pain—each layer he peeled back revealed a deeper understanding of sacrifice, hardship, and the cost of heroism. Hercules’ life was not easy, but it was in facing the layers of his journey—through the weeping and the struggle—that he discovered the true nature of his heroism.

The same can be said for Mahatma Gandhi, who, in his fight for justice and independence, uncovered layer after layer of the human experience. His journey was not one of simple triumph, but one of deep personal reflection and sacrifice. He peeled back layers of oppression, fear, and even self-doubt, yet through each layer, he discovered more about the power of non-violence and the strength of the human spirit. Gandhi wept, not just in moments of defeat, but in the realization of the deep pain of the suffering of his people, as well as in the recognition of the personal sacrifices he had to make. But with each tear, he was also uncovering the most profound truths about humanity and about the cause he had dedicated his life to.

Similarly, we see this principle reflected in the life of Nelson Mandela, whose years of imprisonment were a process of peeling away the layers of his identity and his resolve. In prison, Mandela faced the brutality of the apartheid regime and the depths of personal and collective suffering. Yet, through these trials, he discovered more about the strength of his inner character and the resolve to bring about lasting change. His life, like an onion, revealed more and more as he encountered each challenge. Though he faced pain and weeping, those moments were not without purpose. They led to the ultimate freedom not just of his people, but of his spirit.

Life, like the onion, requires us to peel away one layer at a time. With each layer, there is discovery, revelation, and sometimes, profound sorrow. But this peeling process is necessary for growth. If we are to truly understand ourselves and the world around us, we must face the discomfort and vulnerability that comes with uncovering what lies beneath the surface. We must be willing to confront the painful layers—the moments of doubt, grief, and confusion—if we are to find clarity, purpose, and peace. To weep is to embrace our humanity, to acknowledge that the journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

The lesson of Sandburg’s words is that life is a process. It is a journey of peeling away our fears, our illusions, and the protective layers we have built over time. Every layer we uncover reveals more about who we are and the world we live in. Though it may bring tears, it also brings enlightenment, wisdom, and growth. The weeping is not a sign of failure, but of deep connection with the essence of life. It is through the tears that we are purified and made ready for the next layer.

In your own life, I urge you to embrace this process of uncovering. Peel back the layers of your fears, your doubts, your past experiences, and let each revelation bring you closer to understanding who you truly are. Yes, there will be times when the weeping is inevitable, when the journey feels unbearable. But remember, each layer removed brings you one step closer to clarity, to peace, to growth. Life is not a race, but a journey of revelation—and in every moment of peeling, you are becoming the person you were always meant to be. Allow yourself to weep, for it is through this weeping that you will find your deepest strength and your truest self.