Hiking - I don't like either the word or the thing. People…
“Hiking - I don't like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of that word 'saunter?' It's a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, "A la sainte terre,' 'To the Holy Land.' And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author prefers gentle wandering in nature over vigorous hiking, linking the term “saunter” to historic pilgrimages and reverence for mountains.
In simple terms: Walk gently in nature instead of forceful trekking.
Key Takeaway
Embrace reverent, slow movement in natural spaces.
Themes
nature
reverence
language
history
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- mountain hikes
- guided tours
- spiritual retreats
- eco‑travel
Key Concepts
pilgrimage
etymology
attitude
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our experience of nature?
- Can reverence coexist with physical challenge?
A Different Perspective
Sauntering may be impractical on steep or technical terrain.