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Idealism and the Romance of the American Roadtrip
“Only that traveling is good which reveals to me the value of home and enables me to enjoy it better.” — Henry David Thoreau
It’s been almost 250 years since the “founding” of America (although indigenous people have been here for over 12,000 years) and we’re at a yet another turning point.
We’re the richest, most depressed, divided, incarcerated and I’d argue, spiritually lost that we’ve ever been. But I love our diversity, our passion, our Idealism.
But it’s time to rethink how we show up for the ideals of America.
Because the idea of the rugged individual and freedom for a few isn’t going to work anymore.
Neither is our painted-over, star-spangled view of capitalism and democracy.
Nor is the aggressive freedom used to cause reckless harm.
I’m trying to figure out how I feel about all this, and think you might be too.
Only in America can you camp across the country during a global pandemic with immunity.
I quit my job, ditched my apartment, sold my things, and left Massachusetts on August 14, 2020 intending to camp and hike alone for a month. Instead, I clocked 17,000 miles across 24 states and returned November 11, 2020.
