Chatham, Mt. Tamalpais In The Fog, 2001
When we walk we naturally go to the fields and woods; what
would become of us if we walked only in a garden or a mall? Even some sects of
philosophers have felt the necessity of importing the woods to themselves since
they did not go to the woods, "They planted groves and walks of
Platans" where they took subdiales ambulationes in porticoes
open to the air. Of course, it is of no use to direct our steps to the woods,
if they do not carry us thither. I am alarmed when it happens that I have
walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit. In my
afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations, and my
obligations to society. But it sometimes happens that I cannot easily shake off
the village. The thought of some work will run in my head, and I am not where
my body is; I am out of my senses. In my walks I would fain return to my
senses. What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of
the woods? I suspect myself, and cannot help a shudder, when I find myself so
implicated even in what are called good works — for this may sometimes happen.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
No comments:
Post a Comment