The story of the foolish traveler speaks to me on a personal level, since in the past I have been exactly this person portrayed here. I didn't realize that just because I am good, and decent and kind, that others are not necessarily the same way. I was cheated, lied to, manipulated, and abused.
Now, in my 30th year, I've faced the fact that evil exists as surely as good does, and while I still go to great lengths to be kind to those who cross my path, I've learned to be a little selfish, and not to take everyone at face-value.
I've learned to let go of those past abuses, and I even accept them as part of life's lessons. This is the journey I must make, and I will not allow my turbulent past to influence my bright future. I will go forth to shine my light wherever I may be.