Adam Gopnik discusses his obsession with walking 10,000 steps daily, exploring the origin of this goal, the different types of walking, and the pursuit of meaning through daily achievement. He questions the relevance of the goal and reflects on his personal experience of losing his phone and doubting the validity of his steps.
The obsession with taking 10,000 steps a day stems from the belief in its significant health benefits and the clear and tangible goal it provides.
Taking 10,000 steps a day brings a sense of conscious accomplishment and structure to one's daily routine, providing a way to search for meaning and create order in our lives.
Deep dives
The Obsession with 10,000 Steps
Taking 10,000 steps a day has become a widespread obsession, fueled by the belief in the significant health benefits associated with this practice. The origin of this trend can be traced back to Japan, and now numerous devices and smartphone apps are available to support individuals in tracking their step count. Despite the arbitrary nature of the number, it has become an essential goal for many. However, it is worth noting that any reasonable amount of daily walking can have similar health benefits, but the specific number provides a clear and tangible goal for individuals.
Finding Meaning and Structure in Steps
The act of taking 10,000 steps a day offers a sense of conscious accomplishment and structure to one's daily routine. Unlike the more generic notion of 'taking a good long walk,' the specific step count provides a measurable achievement. It serves as a way to search for meaning and create order in our lives, reinforcing the sense of purpose and accomplishment. Despite its triviality, this goal-oriented approach to walking resonates with individuals and brings a sense of shape and structure to their days.
Adam Gopnik tries to rationalise what lies behind his new obsession - of walking 10,000 steps every day.
With the help of his daughter, Darwin and the Cynics of ancient Greece, Adam concludes that, in our search for meaning in life, 'meaning bound around by a number is easier to grasp than meaning left to meander where it will.'
'The act of taking 10,000 steps a day,' he says, 'brings with it a sense of conscious accomplishment that the phrase "a good long walk" cannot'.
Producer: Adele Armstrong
Sound: Peter Bosher
Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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