The more time he spends wandering through the Aiel Waste, a barren, desert landscape in the Wheel of Time universe, the more “Dragon Reborn” Rand al’Thor understands the extent of his powers. Powerful magic that’s bound to corrupt him, strength to withstand even strong enemies’ attacks, and unreliable but enlightening visions of the future—such are the burdens of the chosen one.
As Rand and his fellowship are guided to an unknown location by one of the many Aiel clans, he overhears the name of their destination: Rhuidean. “That’s where you’re taking us!” Rand says, pointing at Rhuarc, the clan’s chief. “I know there’s a trial for me there!”
Rhuarc only sighs and shakes his head. “You know too much—and too little,” he tells Rand. It’s true. Thanks to his visions, Rand knows more about what’s coming than he should, and it puts him in danger. But he also knows less than he would need to know in order for his information about the future to be actually useful—and that, too, puts him in danger.
Our thirst for knowledge is everlasting. Often, however, the little extra we fight so hard for does us more harm than good. Most of the time, it’s enough to trust that, right now, we have everything we need. Face trials as you meet them, and reap the rewards as they fall. What you know is just enough, and the chosen one always makes it through the day.
