French author Marcel Proust once made an observation on the subject of wisdom. He wrote, "We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take us or spare us." A person's knowledge of the workings of the world and the nature of life comes mainly from experience, not from a textbook or lecture in school. Often, however, the lessons learned through experience are often harsh because to learn about our world, one has to spend much time pondering what is bad in it. To gain such experience is a journey, often long and hard, and sometimes can cause one to question the very nature of one's life and soul. In the short story, "The Gift of the Magi", a comparison between the journey of the biblical Three Wise Men and that of a poor early twentieth-century couple is established.
Della and John, a young couple in early 20th century Amer
The biblical Magi were three men, most likely kings, who traveled far and wide only to dispense gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Christ Child. Tradition says that they came from Africa, Asia, and India, three countries with a low population of Jews, the "chosen people" who were to be saved by this Messiah. Having traveled possibly thousands of miles, the Magi have come themselves, without slaves or messengers, in an ultimate gesture of respect for one who is said will save an entire race of people that does not include them. Although the gifts in question in their case are "no doubt wise ones," the Magi will not receive anything in return. Their gifts are not tokens of bribery for a free ticket into heaven, or a fearful sacrifice in hopes that they and their people will be spared. Their giving of their presents is a symbol of joy and respect, nothi
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