When people learn about author Robyn Davidson's 1,700-mile trek across the desert of Australia, the first question they often ask her is, "Why would you ever do that?"

On Monday, November 2, in Western Academy of Beijing's Founders' Theatre, Robyn opened an honest and inspiring discussion with her true answer: "I wonder why people don't do these sorts of things more often," she said. "The 'Why?' of this has always been very puzzling to me."

Robyn, an Australian author and traveler, published her best-selling book, Tracks, in 1995. WAB partnered with Capital M to bring Robyn to the Distinguished Speaker Series, where she spoke about her journey that inspired the book, as well as coverage in National Geographic and several other publications. Tracks was adapted for the big screen in 2013.

Robyn had originally planned to travel alone. Her dog, Diggity, joined the trip and grew to be a great companion. The two built a connection and helped each other reach new limits. She also credits her four camels with helping her survive the journey.

Against her original wishes, Robyn sought funding from National Geographic, who ended up sponsoring the trip, but also sent a photographer named Rick Smolan to join her and document segments of her adventure. Though a strenuous relationship during the nine months of travel, the two did eventually become friendly and grew to respect one another's pursuits.

The story of independence and thirst for adventure inspired the audience, many of whom left chatting with their friends about distant desires to expand the boundaries of their lives. Her message encouraged people to step up a challenge they had never thought to try before, because, as she learned on her trip, she was able to accomplish things previously unimaginable: She trained, protected and provided medical care for four camels; she went long periods without access to water; she walked for more than six weeks without seeing another human being.

"You need to be able to stand up to the opposition, like the people telling you not to go," she said. "But you also need to be able to stand up to the people who want to come with you."

There were others on the trip whose company was welcome. Robyn told the story of one encounter on her journey with a man named Eddy. Unable to speak with one another because of language differences, the pair traveled together for a month. Eddy was an aboriginal who, while in the wild, followed a specific set of rules and rituals that Robyn slowly began to understand. Watching Eddy's way of life influenced Robyn to challenge her own thinking and ways of life, which she emulated, saying, "It felt like there was literally a re-wiring of my brain." Eddy was one of the few other humans Robyn was pleased to encounter on the journey.

"I at once felt lonely and connected to everything," she said. This was a story about freedom.

Robyn's insight resonated deeply within the WAB community, a group that is full of global citizens and world travelers.

"This discussion, the movie and your book all are avatars of how you share this experience," WAB Director Courtney Lowe told Robyn, thanking her at the end of the presentation. "It's inspirational to me as an educator and as a member of this community."