“Everyone has ___. What’s rare is the courage to follow [it] to the dark places where it leads”: Erica Jong

There are crossword clues, and then there are
crossword clues
that stop you in your tracks, demanding more than just a dictionary definition. They’re not just about filling in letters; they’re about filling in meaning. Today, we’re diving into one such profound statement, a challenging crossword clue that transcends the grid, inviting us to contemplate the very essence of human experience. It comes from the brilliant mind of Erica Jong, a writer celebrated for her unflinching exploration of female identity and liberation, perhaps best known for her groundbreaking novel,
Fear of Flying
.

Jong’s words, often searingly honest, resonate deeply, and this particular crossword clue is no exception:

“Everyone has ___. What’s rare is the courage to follow [it] to the dark places where it leads”

Consider that blank space for a moment. What is this universal possession, something we all intrinsically have? It’s not something tangible or material, but rather an inner compass, a whisper, a driving force. It’s something deeply personal, unique to each individual, yet common to all humanity. The quote doesn’t focus on the presence of this ‘thing’ – that’s a given. Instead, it pivots to the scarcity of
courage
.

What kind of courage are we talking about here? Not the courage of a superhero, perhaps, but the quiet, persistent bravery of self-discovery. It’s the courage to listen to that inner voice, even when it suggests paths less traveled, truths that might be uncomfortable, or destinations shrouded in uncertainty. ‘Dark places’ doesn’t necessarily mean evil or sinister; it implies the unknown, the challenging, the parts of ourselves and our lives that we might prefer to keep hidden or unexplored. It could be confronting personal fears, challenging societal norms, embracing vulnerability, or pursuing a truth that might disrupt our comfortable realities.

To follow this inner guide to ‘dark places’ is to commit to an authentic journey, regardless of the perceived safety or social acceptance of the destination. It’s about integrity, about aligning our actions with our deepest convictions. The rarity lies in this unwavering commitment, in prioritizing genuine self-exploration over comfort, conformity, or the easier path. How often do we feel that pull, that distinct sense of what we
should
do or
are
meant to do, only to shy away from it because of fear, doubt, or external pressures? This powerful crossword clue illuminates that very human dilemma.

For a dedicated crossword clue solver, parsing such a statement becomes an exercise in introspection. It asks us to consider not just a single word, but an entire philosophy. What does it mean to possess something so fundamental, yet so often ignored? What are the implications for our lives if we lack the courage to truly embrace it? Erica Jong, with characteristic acuity, lays bare a profound truth about human nature – the ease of possession versus the difficulty of pursuit. This isn’t just about finding the right word for a challenging crossword clue; it’s about reflecting on the words that define our very existence. The answer, when you find it, isn’t just a solution to a puzzle; it’s a key to understanding a deeper facet of yourself and the human condition. It’s a reminder that some of the most compelling crossword clues lead us far beyond the grid, into the vast, complex landscape of our own minds.

Available Answers:

TALENT.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1011-25 NY Times Crossword 11 Oct 25, Saturday