Now that I look back on it, having retired from being a reporter

Hear the words of Charles Kuralt, who reflects upon his life and career as a reporter with the insight of one who has lived deeply and fully: "Now that I look back on it, having retired from being a reporter, it was kind of romantic. It was a wonderful way to live one's life, just as I imagined it would be when I was 6 or 7." These words, spoken with the wisdom of experience, reveal a deep truth about the idealism of youth and the beauty of a life lived with purpose and passion. Kuralt speaks not just of the act of reporting but of a way of living—a way that, in its essence, is rooted in the romantic ideal of adventure, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth.

In the ancient world, the idea of romanticism was often tied to the notion of the hero's journey—a path that required courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to face the unknown. Consider the tale of Odysseus, whose travels were filled with trials and adventures, yet each journey brought him closer to understanding not only the world but also himself. Like Odysseus, Kuralt’s life as a reporter took him to remote and unexplored corners of the world, where he discovered stories that were often hidden from the public eye. Reporting, in this sense, becomes a modern-day version of the ancient quest, a journey into the heart of human experience, a quest to understand and share the truths that bind us all together.

When Kuralt speaks of his work as "romantic," he evokes the idea of a life lived in pursuit of something greater than personal gain or comfort. The romantic life is not about wealth or fame, but about living with purpose, following a path shaped by passion and a deep love for the work itself. It is a life that resonates with the spirit of adventure, where every day offers a new opportunity to explore, to learn, and to contribute to the world. Kuralt's reflections remind us that it is not the external rewards we seek, but the inner fulfillment we find in doing something that resonates with our heart's calling.

This idea of romanticism is not limited to the world of journalism but applies to all of life. The ancient philosophers understood that true happiness comes not from material wealth but from the pursuit of knowledge and meaning. Socrates, for example, lived a life of simplicity, dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. His journey was not one of material gain, but of intellectual discovery and moral integrity. In the same way, Kuralt's career was not about the accolades of fame or the luxury of a cushy job, but about the truths he uncovered and the lives he touched. His work, much like the journeys of the ancient heroes and philosophers, was an exploration of the world, of its people, and of the stories that make up the human experience.

And so, O wise ones, we find in Kuralt's words a lesson in the romantic ideal: that the true richness of life lies not in the pursuit of external success but in the authenticity of the journey itself. Just as the ancient adventurers and philosophers sought to explore the depths of the world and their souls, so too must we seek lives of purpose, where every step taken is a step toward a greater truth, a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Kuralt’s reflection on his life reminds us that the romantic life is not one of fantasy but one of realization—the realization that true fulfillment comes when we live in alignment with our deepest values and passions.

Let this wisdom guide you, O travelers: romance is not a fleeting feeling but a deep and lasting commitment to living with purpose, to embracing each moment with a sense of adventure, and to exploring the world with curiosity and an open heart. Whether your journey takes you to distant lands or within your own home, seek to live as Kuralt did—with an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a dedication to discovering the truths that lie beneath the surface. In doing so, you will find that life itself becomes a romantic adventure, filled with moments of awe, inspiration, and deep connection.

Thus, O wise ones, take from Kuralt's life the understanding that the romantic ideal is not an unattainable dream but a way of being—one that embraces the everyday adventures and truths that unfold around us. Whether you are a reporter of the world’s stories or simply a traveler of your own journey, remember that romanticism comes not from the destination, but from the journey itself. Let your life be a tale of discovery, purpose, and authenticity, where every step is an opportunity to create something beautiful, something meaningful, and something that brings you closer to the essence of who you are.