In 'A Philosophy of Walking', Frederic Gros explores the profound connection between walking and philosophical thought, illuminating how this simple act can lead to deep introspection and enlightenment. Through vibrant anecdotes and reflections on famous walkers, such as Nietzsche and Thoreau, Gros reveals walking as a path to personal freedom and a means to confront life's complexities. He challenges readers to consider their own walking habits and the philosophical implications behind them. This unique blend of philosophy and practical exploration invites you to ponder the significance of movement in your own life. Are you ready to take the first step towards a deeper understanding of yourself?
By Frederic Gros
Published: 2015
"Walking is not just a means of transportation; it is a philosophical process that allows us to explore both the world around us and the depths of our own minds."
This “passionate affirmation of the simple life” explores how walking has influenced history’s greatest thinkers—from Henry David Thoreau and John Muir to Gandhi and Nietzsche (Observer) “It is only ideas gained from walking that have any worth.” —Nietzsche In this French bestseller, leading thinker and philosopher Frédéric Gros charts the many different ways we get from A to B—the pilgrimage, the promenade, the protest march, the nature ramble—and reveals what they say about us. Gros draws attention to other thinkers who also saw walking as something central to their practice. On his travels he ponders Thoreau’s eager seclusion in Walden Woods; the reason Rimbaud walked in a fury, while Nerval rambled to cure his melancholy. He shows us how Rousseau walked in order to think, while Nietzsche wandered the mountainside to write. In contrast, Kant marched through his hometown every day, exactly at the same hour, to escape the compulsion of thought. Brilliant and erudite, A Philosophy of Walking is an entertaining and insightful manifesto for putting one foot in front of the other.
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“Walking is not just a means of transportation; it is a philosophical process that allows us to explore both the world around us and the depths of our own minds.”
A Philosophy of Walking
By Frederic Gros
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Frederic Gros is a French philosopher and writer, known for his profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of walking and philosophy. He is the author of notable works such as "A Philosophy of Walking" and "The Philosophy of Walking", where he examines the act of walking as a means of contemplation and a way to understand existence. Gros's writing is characterized by its lyrical style and deep intellectual engagement, blending personal anecdotes with philosophical insights. His works encourage readers to reflect on the relationship between movement, thought, and the landscapes we inhabit.
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