Walking - Classic Text | Alexandria
Walking by Henry David Thoreau is not merely a treatise on ambulation, but a philosophical exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, wilderness, and the very act of living. Often misconstrued as a simple paean to hiking, the essay is, in reality, a provocative critique of industrial society and an urgent call to re-wild our lives.
Originally delivered as a lecture entitled "Walking; or, The Wild" in 1851 and published posthumously in 1862, the text arrived amidst burgeoning industrialization and westward expansion in America, a period marked by both optimistic progress and ecological transformation. These lectures came after the publication of Walden, and the themes that Thoreau engages with in Walden resurface in "Walking." Thoreau's words resonated with a growing concern about the loss of natural landscapes, a sentiment echoed in the burgeoning Transcendentalist movement.
Over time, the interpretation of Walking has evolved, resonating with environmentalists, conservationists, and those seeking a simpler, more authentic existence. The essay’s evocative descriptions of the natural world, combined with its sharp social commentary, have inspired generations to question the values of modern society and to seek solace and wisdom in the wild. Interesting is Thoreau's etymological dissection of "sauntering," linking it to Sainte Terre and suggesting a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, or perhaps, even more enigmatically, sans terre, the landless ones. Does this imply that true freedom lies in detachment from earthly possessions and societal constraints? While Thoreau's essay critiques society, it also speaks to the inner journey to understanding ourselves.
Today, Walking remains a cornerstone of environmental literature, influencing debates about sustainability, urban planning, and our individual responsibility toward the planet. Its call for a return to the wild is not simply a romantic notion but a potent challenge to reassess our priorities and to rediscover the profound connection between humanity and nature. What truly constitutes a walk, and furthermore, what defines our place within the natural world.