An earlier post on this thread, by
Mudcat's late lamented katlaughing,
quoted Paul P. Harris,

comparing the well-paved highway to war with
the wilderness in between us and peace.

Does anyone else here remember Thomas the Rhymer?

O see ye not yon narrow road
So thick beset wi' thorns and briars?
That is the Path of Righteousness,
Though after it but few inquires.

And see ye not yon braid, braid road
That lies across the lily leven?
That is the Path of Wickedness,
Though some call it the road to Heaven . . .