Walking: One Step At a Time

Author: Kagge, Erling

Edition: Illustrated

Number Of Pages: 192

Details:

A lyrical account of an activity that is essential for our sanity, equilibrium, and well-being, from the author of Silence ("A book to be handled and savored." —The Wall Street Journal) Placing one foot in front of the other, embarking on the journey of discovery, and experiencing the joy of exploration—these activities are intrinsic to our nature. Our ancestors traveled long distances on foot, gaining new experiences and learning from them. But as universal as walking is, each of us will experience it differently. For Erling Kagge, it is the gateway to the questions that fascinate him—Why do we walk? Where do we walk from? What is our destination?—and in this book he invites us to investigate them along with him. Language reflects the idea that life is one single walk; the word "journey" comes from the distance we travel in the course of a day. Walking for Kagge is a natural accompaniment to creativity: the occasion for the unspoken dialogue of thinking. Walking is also the antidote to the speed at which we conduct our lives, to our insistence on rushing, on doing everything in a precipitous manner—walking is among the most radical things we can do.

Reviews:

“Simple, profound . . . compelling . . . it packs a surprisingly motivational punch . . . Kagge’s insights are sharp enough to slowly chip away at your skepticism, like a pickaxe working a block of ice.”

— GQ

“Beautiful, flowing prose, as wise and soothing as the voice it suggests . . . part rumination, part walking coach and companion . . .”

— New York Journal of Books  

“If ever there were an expert on the topic, behold, here he is . . . Kagge’s wisdom offers salve and salvation”

— Minneapolis Star Tribune"Ambitious . . . Mr. Kagge’s lean, likeable style holds [

Walking] together and makes for an enjoyable whirl of a read.” —The Wall Street Journal

“Invigorating . . .” —The Scotsman

“[Kagge] challenges readers to take steps toward a better understanding of one’s self and finding a peaceful place in the scheme of life. Recommended for all libraries, especially collections on the environment. The poetic and inspirational words will remind readers of Henry David Thoreau’s work by the same name.” —Library Journal [starred]

“Candid . . . lyrical and sometimes philosophical . . . His awe and wonder are contagious . . . a perfect companion for those who seek mindfulness and meditation in their everyday lives.” —Booklist

“An homage to walking . . . Throughout this brief but eloquent meditation, the author makes a convincing case for the importance of walking. For him, walking is not simply taking a series of steps; it is something thrilling and amazing . . .  A thoughtful book-length essay on a taken-for-granted human activity . . . Fascinating.”

— Kirkus Reviews“It is much more subtle than a typical self-help tome . . . he uses his acquaintance with extreme environments to reflect on the mental and physical benefits of walking.”

—The Economist

About the Author:

Explorer, art collector, publisher, and author, ERLING KAGGE is the first person to have completed the Three Poles Challenge on foot—the North Pole, the South Pole, and the summit of Mount Everest. He has written six books on exploration, philosophy, and art collecting, and runs Kagge Forlag, a publishing company based in Oslo, where he lives. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. One day, my grandmother was no longer able to walk.   That was the day she died. Physically, she continued to live a little longer, but her new knees, which had surgically replaced the old ones, were worn out and no longer able to carry her body. The remaining strength in her muscles wasted away from the days spent lying in bed. Her digestive system began to fail. Her heartbeat slowed down and her pulse became uneven. Her lungs took in less and less oxygen. Towards the end, she was left gasping for air.   In those days I had two daughters at home. The youngest,...

EAN: 9781524747848

Release Date: 23-04-2019

Languages: English

Item Condition: New

Binding: Hardcover