Here’s a question for you ponderers out there…would you rather see something from the past, learn its history and stories, or visit something new and innovative and perhaps catch a glimpse of something in its dawn?
I think I am more of an observer of the past. An appreciator of what has been and how it continues to influence us in the present. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate my new I Phone or laptop, or my awesome E Bike. But I have no overwhelming desire to see how these items were made or what the new tech will look like in five years. It hasn’t had a story written yet; it hasn’t had it’s “lived” experience out in the world yet.
I think as travelers, we develop a deep respect for the stories of the past, a respect for those that traveled before us and literally paved the roads for us to follow. History beckons us to sit and listen to a story.
A traveler looks always forward, planning their next adventures, but in doing so, makes sure to somehow keep track of where they’ve been. To take a glance backwards every now and then.
Innovators and techies are always looking forward, building on the works of the past and making improvements. It’s not that I think they lack respect for what has been but too often are in too much of a rush, powered by the urgency to create and develop that they lack the time to give a shout out to the past; to take that important glance backwards.
Whether you consider yourself a dreamer or a doer, a traveler or a homebody, an innovator or a historian, I think it’s always a good idea to take a little time to just sit and ponder every now and then.