History Quote by Rory Stewart
““I thought about evolutionary historians who argued that walking was a central part of what it meant to be human. Our two-legged motion was what first differentiated us from the apes. It freed our hands for tools and carried us onthe long marches out of Africa. As a species, we colonized the world on foot. Most of human history was created through contacts conducted at walking pace, even when some rode horses. I thought of the pilgrimages to Compostela in Spain; to Mecca; to the source of the Ganges; and of wandering dervishes, sadhus; and friars who approached God on foot. The Buddha meditated by walking and Wordsworth composed sonnets while striding beside the lakes. Bruce Chatwin concluded from all this that we would think and live better and be closer to our purpose as humans if we moved continually on foot across the surface of the earth. I was not sure I was living or thinking any better.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Long Walk, 2021
Walking shapes human evolution, culture, and thought; continual movement may enhance purpose and insight.
In simple terms: Walking influences humanity and personal growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace walking for reflection and connection.
Themes
human evolution
culture
pilgrimage
mindfulness
creativity
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- daily walks
- pilgrimage routes
- creative retreats
Key Concepts
embodiment
slow travel
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How does walking affect your ideas?
- Can other practices foster similar insight?
A Different Perspective
Walking alone may not guarantee deeper thinking.
![“In the ancient world, especially among nomadic people, life was lived on foot. They walked step by step along a “path” or “way” in search of food and water for their flocks and herds. As a result, walking became a metaphor for the journey of life. We are called “to live [our lives] before God in…” quote by Robert Saucy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/031/robert-saucy-52353_every-day_in-the-ancient-world-especially-among-no_334594.jpg)
![“He [Babur] was a ype of mastiff, bred to fight against wolves, dogs, and humans. . . . The mastiff is perhaps the oldest breed of dog in the world. . . . The dogs of Ghor . . . were always regarded as particularly special mastiffs. . . . 'so powerful that in frame and strength every one of them is…” quote by Rory Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/daa/rory-stewart-11028_dogs-and-humans_he-babur-was-a-ype-of-mastiff-bred-to-fi_148394.jpg)
