Tyler Has Words is the blog of Tyler Patrick Wood, a writer/musician from Texas. You'll get free book excerpts twice a week. On the other days, you'll get words. If you would like an original take on everything by an expert on nothing, this might be a cool place to hang out.

About New Ground

About New Ground

Post 275:

             I’ve always loved the word peripatetic. Sure, it’s a word for pretentious jerks, but it has a cool derivation. It comes from Ancient Greece. Aristotle would walk around ruminating all of life’s wonders while his students followed behind, trying to write down whatever nuggets of wisdom he left in his wake. I like to imagine it; the most prolific philosopher in history just taking a stroll, taking life in as he meant to figure it all out just a little bit better.

            Like most words, its meaning has grown. Now it’s a noun referring to anyone who’s moving about, in motion. You could substitute itinerant, or, more simply, a wanderer.

            Though on a small scale, Aristotle had it right. It’s good to move around, go new places, do new stuff. It keeps you young and your mind fresh. Going someplace else gives your life a whole new meaning. Think of little kids. Everything they experience is pretty much for the first time—that’s why they’re so interested, why they’re always asking why.

            So staleness of thought and action can be remedied. Go someplace. A new bookstore. That part of town you never visited. Get in the car and just drive to a little hamlet, eat at the local joint. Your senses are heightened because they have to be, as is your sense of self.

            My heroes were always explorers when I was a kid. The smelly dudes that would brave the unknown to travel all over the world, just because it was there. We’ve lost that, to some degree. Having a mapped out world is awesome, but it also kills a little of that sense of wonder.

            But that’s only an illusion. A map is a handy rendering, not an experience. There’s no way to know what your feet will feel like on that ground you’ve never walked. Don’t settle for a picture. Unless your legs hurt. In that case, sit down. This isn’t the 1500s, for gosh sakes.

            A happy voyage to you. Cheers and see you after.

           

About Redemption Rock: The Conclusion

About Redemption Rock: The Conclusion

About Redemption Rock: A Short Story

About Redemption Rock: A Short Story

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