“The gold of the adventurer is not the same as the gold of the alchemist”
— Walter Benjamin
Simplified Meaning:
When we talk about gold for an adventurer, it means the joy and excitement they get from exploring new places and having new experiences. For an alchemist, gold is more about the physical material they create through experiments and hard work. Think of it this way: a traveler might find happiness in discovering a beautiful, hidden beach. This feeling is their "gold." On the other hand, a scientist may feel successful after completing a difficult experiment and creating a valuable substance. This accomplishment is their "gold." Both individuals find value in different things based on their passions and goals. In our own lives, what we cherish or find valuable may differ from others because we all have our unique interests and ways of finding fulfillment.
