Adventurer and philosopher Erling Kagge discusses the profound significance of walking, connecting it to silence, memory, and problem-solving. He advocates for embracing voluntary hardship, walking as a radical act in the modern era, and the importance of getting lost while walking for creative thinking and happiness.
Walking slows down time, deepens memories, and enriches life through voluntary hardship.
Walking aids in problem-solving, mental well-being, and provides a radical experience in the modern age.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Walking and Philosophical Thinking
Walking is presented as a gateway for exploring memory, meaning, and one's humanity. Arlene Caget, an adventurer and philosopher, discusses how walking can slow down time, deepen memories, and enrich life through voluntary hardship. He emphasizes that walking can aid in problem-solving, as historical philosophers were committed walkers, highlighting the radical importance of walking in the modern age.
The Concept of Time Perception in Walking vs. Speedy Travel
Caget contrasts the perception of time during walking versus faster modes of transportation. Walking allows time to expand, providing space for memories, experiences, and problem-solving. In contrast, speedier forms of travel lead to a rushed, unmemorable experience. He highlights how walking not only promotes physical health but also enriches mental and emotional well-being by elongating perceived time.
The Benefits of Walking for Mental and Physical Health
Walking is portrayed as a holistic practice that extends beyond physical benefits. Caget delves into how walking can prolong life, improve health, and enhance mental well-being. He challenges the notion that faster options are always preferable, encouraging walks that embrace physical and mental challenges for a more fulfilling life.
The Philosophical Significance of Walking and Getting Lost
Drawing parallels to philosophical concepts, Caget explores how walking embodies a transition from work to home or seasonal shifts. He delves into the idea of getting lost as a means of attaining a deeper human experience. Caget relates Adam and Eve's story to the act of walking, highlighting the search for excitement and vitality as essential elements of human life.
But my guest today makes the case that walking can act as a gateway to explore memory, meaning, and what it means to be human. His name is Erling Kagge, he’s an adventurer and philosopher, and we had him on the show last year to discuss his book Silence (that's episode 433). Erling’s latest book is called Walking, and we begin our conversation discussing the connection between bipedal locomotion and silence and how walking instead of driving can help slow down time and deepen our memories. Erling makes the case that embracing voluntary hardship can enrich your life and how walking can be a step towards that. He then shares why going for a walk can help you solve problems, why most great philosophers were also committed walkers, what the Adam and Eve story can teach us about the need for exploration, and how walking can be one of the most radical things you can do in the modern age.
You'll want to take a walk after listening to this show, or maybe you'll walk while you're listening.