Walking

One Step at a Time

By: Erling Kagge, Becky L. Crook - translator

Narrated by: Atli Gunnarsson

Length: 2 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A lyrical account of an activity that is essential for our sanity, equilibrium, and well-being, from the author of Silence.

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 audiobook, 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.

©2019 Becky L. Crook (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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)

“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)

"Ambitious...Mr. Kagge’s lean, likeable style holds [Walking] together and makes for an enjoyable whirl of a read.” (The Wall Street Journal)

A delightful and essential book

I loved this book and it was exactly what I needed at this juncture of my life. I decided to listen to it as an audiobook and I did so while walking in nature, that was a good choice. There were so many good comments made about our existence as humans, some of which are fairly sad to ponder, but necessary nonetheless. Lastly, I love the narrator’s voice.

Thinking in action

It started with digital minimalism where the idea of walking and the creative process first intrigued me and over the course of several months I have been reading on thinking in action such as slow jogging and walking.
I stumbled on to this book and thought it sounded interesting and finished it in my regular slow jog.
By far the most interesting account about the philosophy of walking I have listened to and so glad that I did.

Loved this: insightful, informed and engaging

I so enjoyed this read (listen) - I could relate to it, learn from it and am inspired by it. As an American, middle-aged walker i gained much to inform my future moments and steps as a walking human being.

Mighty little book

Got the length of this book it packs a wallop of deep philosophical thought and personal insights into perhaps the oldest voluntary physical function - walking. Highly recommend.

Wonderful to experience waking in his shoes. I am a walker and the author’s perspectives lift my soul.

The book is gentle and inspiring. For those of us who love walking, the author expands our horizons.

Wisdom in every step

I was trained to have that military striding gait. Quite uncommon for a woman. It earned me the descriptive spectrum from intense to aggressive. I converted to a racewalking pace in my middle years. Striding out at near "ramming speed". Cutting a wake in a river of shoppers or tourists. Easily, dropping into a passing gear when stuck behind a "stroller". Always with a destination. Always in a get it done mode. How to break out of that without a debilitating disease making it a forced choice. The hospital hall shuffle? The step and roll of a walker? Been there - done both. Once mended - off I tore again.
However when I'd taken a tumble just recently and adopted a cane - naming it Psalm 22 or 23 - depending on how many Advil the day required - there would be no quick recover. This time, it was a hip and each step offered an opinion. The intensity, the military gait, the striding were all wrong and gone.

Thanks to an Audible side bar, and God recognizing a contrite heart yearning to change - I discovered Kegge's Walking. Frankly, the sample scared me. Give a listen. No spoiler alert here -- give a listen. I ordered up the book from the library and put the audible edition in my wish list. What's it about? How to move with gratitude rather than impatience. How to cherish time in a new way. All wrapped in a cultural context that celebrates walking... and silence. And thanks to a sale, I was able to get both of Kegge's books Walking and Silence. They are companions to each other and to my journey. May it be so for you too.

Insightful and touching

I listened to this over the course of two days while walking the Camino de Santiago. It was inspiring and apt, often times articulating some of my own thoughts and feelings as I walked. This is an important read for anyone looking for a simple way to improve their well-being and happiness.

Trite

Trite musings. Writing not exceptional. Don’t bother with it. Go for a walk for instead!