Mid-life is, typically, the time when reality pushes back via reminders of mortality (for instance, the death of one’s parents). The ensuing feeling of futility brings us to a crisis, a crossroads. Those who find a path beyond the crossroads must pass three tests, resembling those ordeals experienced by heroes in classic romances (and known by their Greek labels): first test agon the hero must confront the negative forces in battle second test pathos the hero must suffer loss in the life-and-death struggle third test anagnorisis the hero must recognize, by discovery or epiphany, the deeper
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