A Walk Around the World
Posted December 13, 2012
Paul Salopek is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and National Geographic Fellow, who has spent much of his career exploring the world and writing stories about the human experience. In 2013 he will begin a significant journey. Carrying only a backpack, with no entourage to support him, he will literally walk around the world. The trip will take seven years and cover 21,000 miles. He will trace the pathway humanity followed as our population gradually spread around the globe. This project is fittingly titled, “Out of Eden: A Walk Thru Time.” Details can be found at www.outofedenwalk.com.
I was interested in reading and hearing about his motivation. Many would assume this to be a publicity stunt, but one of his greatest concerns is attracting attention. His hope is to blend in casually and write episodically about what he learns from the peoples of the world. Some might assume this is a fundraising gimmick. But there is no organization relying on his walk as a campaign for support. His motivation is quite simple—to engage the world as a learner.
The task sounds overwhelming to me, but fascinating to imagine. There are so few in society who can look over a seven-year horizon that involves immense uncertainty and simply embrace the experience. Yet Salopek’s concern is that he not over-plan the journey. It’s not a race. He is not seeking a destination. Efficiency is not an overriding worry. The entire point is the journey itself.
I will follow his experience with great interest. While he will not blog regularly, he will from time to time write about what he is learning by spending time with everyday people who are living in a context of global change. There may be something important for all of us in Paul Salopek’s walk. It’s the reminder that we can still do big things that take a long time. I need to remember that. It’s also about listening. Quietly and confidently navigating through a vast and diverse world will require the humility to hear from others. I hope I can hear the world better through his experience. Most of all, I think we may see that despite many different languages, cultures, histories and traditions, we are not so different when it comes to what we want most as humans. Perhaps we can see that a bit more clearly through his lens.
Paul, I wish for you a safe journey and a rich experience—something I hope we can all rediscover through your steps.
This piece was originally written for The Des Moines Register’s A Better Iowa, where President Mark Putnam served as a featured columnist.
About the Author
I'm the lucky individual who carries the title, 21st president of Central College in Pella, Iowa. Passionate about higher education and the issues facing it and the world today, I hope to invoke an engaging conversation with all who are ready to dig in, make a difference and build for the future. Share your thoughts. I'm listening and interested.