I love The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham, especially the book’s introduction. The passage opens with a quote:
The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard. – from the Katha Upanishad
Maugham, a prominent novelist of the 1900s (and interestingly, a medical school graduate), tells the story of a dear friend’s life, a story he holds in wonderment. Throughout the story, he doesn’t declare what exactly the razor’s edge is, but we’re left to reason the answer is in how Larry, his friend, lives. And this life is remarkable for its self-assurance and soul integrity. It’s the razor’s edge.
This is the task before us all; how to manage the rigors of existence, the responsibilities inherent, while protecting the fire that is who we are. How we marry these life tasks is often how we’re judged. It’s the subject of eulogies. It’s the subject of my article this week.
To remain uncompromising on our soul is the task of our life. This task is supposed to be hard. It requires everything we have. It requires faith. It requires help. If we are to reach Salvation.
In this inevitable difficulty, I’m working to find peace inside the struggle, reminding myself it’s supposed to be this way. When I remember this fact, I have one less thing to worry about. One more thing to surrender. One less thing between me and my work.
To living a life we love,
Ryan Fightmaster, MD
