When did we start walking for leisure? “散步” 的起源

　　When did we start walking for leisure? “散步” 的起源

　　'Going for a walk' is a popular pastime among older and younger generations alike because of its well-known benefits for our physical and mental health. But you may be surprised to hear that meandering¹ through pretty streets or hiking along mountainous ridges³ have not always been considered leisure activities, according to Daniel Gale⁴, a researcher of pedestrianism.

　　He says that in Britain, walking for fun "wasn't really a thing" until the 1780s. Before that, it was just something people did out of necessity, and some people associated it with criminal activity. But for Charles Dickens, the famous English 19th Century author, marching through London streets and tramping around the countryside was a big part of the creative process; a time to absorb what was going on around him. He walked at an impressive pace of four miles per hour, according to his biography by Peter Ackroyd.

　　But if speed-walking isn't your thing, perhaps you can take inspiration from another big-thinking wanderer. 19th Century American writer Henry David Thoreau took a slower approach, preferring to saunter over hills and fields and meander² through the woods. He said that he could not preserve his health and spirits, unless he spent four hours a day walking at least.

　　This idea of taking a stroll to clear your head has survived through to the 21st Century, but has pedestrian etiquette⁵ remained the same? A 1780 article for the London Magazine advised pedestrians⁶ to avoid things such as loitering in conversation and obstructing⁷ people behind you with a "sauntering gait". Nowadays, we could probably add distracted phone-users to that list.

　　In this modern age, when many of us are tied to our desks and to our screens, the simple act of stepping out onto the city pavements, or getting lost in nature, may make all the difference to our wellbeing. Whether you see yourself more as a casual stroller or a purposeful strider, why not build a habit out of it?

　　词汇表

　　go for a walk 散步

　　pastime 消遣，娱乐

　　meander 漫步，闲逛

　　hike 远足

　　leisure activity 休闲活动

　　pedestrianism 徒步主义

　　march 行走

　　tramp 长途行走

　　pace 步速

　　speed-walking 快速行走

　　wanderer 四处游走的人

　　saunter 漫步，闲逛

　　stroll 散步，溜达

　　pedestrian etiquette 行人礼仪

　　loiter 游荡，徘徊

　　gait 步态，步法

　　step out 走出去

　　pavement 人行道

　　stroller 散步的人

　　strider 阔步行走的人

 

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