Walking

One Step At a Time

By: Erling Kagge, Becky L. Crook - translator

Narrated by: Atli Gunnarsson

A lyrical account of an activity that is essential for our sanity, equilibrium, and well-being, from the author of Silence ("A book to be handled and savored." —The Wall Street Journal)

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 book 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.

Critic 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

“Beautiful, flowing prose, as wise and soothing as the voice it suggests . . . part rumination, part walking coach and companion . . .”—New York Journal of Books

“If ever there were an expert on the topic, behold, here he is . . . Kagge’s wisdom offers salve and salvation”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

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

“Invigorating . . .”—The Scotsman

“[Kagge] challenges readers to take steps toward a better understanding of one’s self and finding a peaceful place in the scheme of life. Recommended for all libraries, especially collections on the environment. The poetic and inspirational words will remind readers of Henry David Thoreau’s work by the same name.”—Library Journal [starred]

“Candid . . . lyrical and sometimes philosophical . . . His awe and wonder are contagious . . . a perfect companion for those who seek mindfulness and meditation in their everyday lives.”—Booklist

“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

“It is much more subtle than a typical self-help tome . . . he uses his acquaintance with extreme environments to reflect on the mental and physical benefits of walking.”—The Economist

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.

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.

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.

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.