What is more important, the Destination or the Journey? "The Companionship"

Dissection of the Quote:

The first question in the quote has two broad dimensions in itself. Then comes an out-of-the-box answer that mesmerizes us, something we obviously wouldn’t have thought of because we were too focused on finding meaning to the answer within the question itself.

The quote is like tossing a coin before a match—one side of the coin represents the destination, the other represents the journey, and the act of tossing (not the result) represents companionship. To me, companionship is like a ray of hope. We never know the result until the coin is tossed. The same applies to life—no matter what, we just have to get started.

We can all relate to the wonderful quote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

(Don't take it literally! It's just a way of seeing things. You can skip the coin toss example if you like.)

Reflection of the Quote in Fiction:

a) Hunter x Hunter (Yoshihiro Togashi)

Watch Hunter x Hunter Episode 25, where Gotoh tests Gon in the Coin Game. We can say the options (destination and journey) represent Gotoh’s hands—right or left—which Gon has to choose from. But in the last round, the coin was actually in the hand of the person standing behind Gon. To me, this represents companionship. Cleverly, Gon finds the correct answer, but we can all admit how hard it can be to think outside the box.

I highly recommend watching this anime—it perfectly aligns with this quote. The episodes are like beautiful crystal marbles in a jar, each jaw-dropping and unique from the others, filled with meaningful life lessons that we can all relate to.

b) The Alchemist (Book by Paulo Coelho)

It has been a few years since I read The Alchemist, but I still remember the story of a man who leaves his home in search of treasure. He travels across the world, going through ups and downs, giving it his all. But after failing to find the treasure, he returns home and searches there—only to discover the real treasure had been there all along.

From a third-person perspective, his journey might seem pointless or even silly. But in reality, it was this so-called pointless struggle that gave meaning to finding the treasure. Did you get me? The sense of reaching the destination (treasure) brings meaning to the hustle (journey), along with a meaningful company (companionship). You must got me now!

This story teaches us to seek meaning inward (within ourselves) rather than outward (in the world) because the real treasure lies within us—all unique and authentic.

c) The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)

This is another wonderful quote that I relate to from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien:

"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it, there are many dark places; but still, there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."

Thanks to AI for a simpler explanation:

This quote means that the world has its share of dangers and challenges, and there are many tough or dark times. However, despite all that, there is still beauty and goodness. It also suggests that love, even when mixed with sadness or loss, becomes stronger and more meaningful because of those challenges. So, while life has hardships, the love we share makes it even more powerful and worthwhile.

Diagram representing their relationship

How These Three Are Interrelated (According to This Quote)

Parent node -- [Companionship]

/ \

Child node -- [Destination] __ [Journey]

△ = Achieving goal

Point of View:

1. Destination

The final point or finish line we aim to reach. It holds the reason why we started the journey in the first place and requires commitment. Your destination can be crafted from emotions, childhood dreams, fantasies, desires, etc. When we feel unmotivated (not tired—if tired, take rest) due to slow progress, reminding ourselves of the final outcome can reactivate our motivation.

Why Important → Having a destination is important because it gives a sense of fulfillment to our commitment.

Tip → Break the final goal into smaller milestones and achieve them step by step.

2. Journey

The journey is like the life cycle of a flowering plant—full of adventure every day. Just as a seed turns into a beautiful flower by going through different stages, we too grow stronger through challenges. Imagine yourself as a seed and the changing seasons as the ups and downs in life. Flow with progress, not just the process.

While moving forward, life will automatically plant different seeds for the next destination to reach.

Why Important → The journey gives us actual experience. From our lessons, we can guide others too.

Tip → Regardless of ups and downs, be grateful every day and celebrate small wins.

3. Companionship (The Trilogy)

It nourishes the journey, making it meaningful and full of memories. While achieving our goal, we help others grow too. Imagine ordering your favorite dish at a 5-star hotel—one served plainly and the other with a beautiful presentation. The one with a final touch will look more tempting and even unconsciously taste better. That’s companionship—it brings life to the journey. As it brought life to the dish.

Why Important → It brings life and adds meaning to the journey. We grow stronger together.

Tip → The greatest companionship is with yourself first. Seek advice from mentors/elders/experienced individuals when needed. Engage with like-minded people facing similar challenges—learning from each other’s solutions.

Conclusion:

Whether you do it to reach the destination, explore the unknown journey, or enjoy the company — Just Do It!

Thank you for listening to me. ????

Disclaimer:

This is just an individual perspective. It’s a brief reflection of my thoughts on a quote I found engaging. Whether good or bad, right or wrong, it shouldn't matter—the perspective shared is just a small part of the bigger picture on which we all are trying to get our eyes on.

~Aditya Sakinal