19th century Quote by Tom Hodgkinson
“I love the 19th-century idea of the flaneur, the poet wandering through the streets.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Art of Wandering", 2015
The flaneur embodies a poetic, observant wandering that finds meaning in everyday urban life.
In simple terms: Wander to discover poetry in streets.
Key Takeaway
Embrace slow, mindful strolling.
Themes
urban exploration
poetry
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- city walks
- travel diaries
- creative writing
- photography
Key Concepts
Flaneur
Aesthetic
Observation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the city reveal to you?
- How can you become a modern flaneur?
A Different Perspective
Modern life can distract from true observation.
![“[Y]ou were too alert to the figurative possibilities of words not to see the phrase [angle of repose] as descriptive of human as well as detrital rest. As you said, it was too good for mere dirt; you tried to apply it to your own wandering and uneasy life ... I wonder if you ever reached it.” quote by Wallace Stegner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b2/wallace-stegner-1352_life_y-ou-were-too-alert-to-the-figurative-po_96500.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
