Here’s how this week’s arts and culture column begins:
“It is solved by walking.” — St. Augustine
For decades I have considered a longish walk part of my daily routine. By “walk,” I don’t mean the fetishistic activity that involves a water bottle carrier, a backpack, and a Fitbit. I grab my sunglasses, walk out the door, and give myself over to the sheer, exuberant wonder of the enterprise.
In “A Philosophy of Walking” (Verso, $19.95), French professor of Philosophy Frédéric Gros reflects upon some of the many thinkers and writers throughout history who have also considered walking essential to their work: Nietzsche, Rimbaud, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thoreau.
READ THE WHOLE PIECE HERE.
Love this article. I am a 70 yr old widow, who used to walk but let, well, everything, interfere. Now I am back at it, shooting to be able to go on longer (5-10 miles) hikes in interesting places. But you’ve inspired me to just drive somewhere (I live out in country) and walk around, whether it is actual trail or shopping area in town or park or pretty neighborhood. Thank you.
I am a walker too. I walk early in the morning so I can get my walk in before work. I would never skip it, even in the winter when it is cold. Even though I was laid off a few months ago, I still usually keep to the same schedule and walk first thing. Everyone else is still in bed, or at least at home getting ready for the day, and the world is quiet. So beautiful. The rare times I do miss my walk, I definitely feel it. I usually only have time for half an hour but would love to walk for an hour or two every day.
Today’s Magnificat reflection from St. Francis de Sales includes “While taking a walk by yourself, or when you are alone at some other time, turn your eye to God’s universal will and see how he wills all the works of his mercy and justice, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”…So glad to know that you both, too, find treasure in a daily walk.