“The fear of rape puts many women in their place - indoors, intimidated, dependent yet again on material barriers and protectors... I was advised to stay indoors at night, to wear baggy clothes, to cover or cut my hair, to try to look like a man, to move someplace more expensive, to take taxis, to buy a car, to move in groups, to get a man to escort me—all modern versions of Greek walls and Assyrian veils, all asserting it was my responsibility to control my own and men's behavior rather than society's to ensure my freedom. I realized that many women had been so successfully socialized to know their place that they had chosen more conservative, gregarious lives without realizing why. The very desire to walk alone had been extinguished in them—but it had not in me.”
Quote by Rebecca Solnit
Work
Wanderlust: A History of Walking is a comprehensive study that delves into the historical and cultural aspects of walking. The book traces the evolution of walking from a necessity for survival to a leisure activity and a means of self-expression. It includes insights into the personal journeys of walkers, the social and political implications of walking, and the psychological benefits of this ancient form of movement. The narrative spans across different eras and regions, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences and the transformative power of walking. more
Author
Rebecca Solnit is an American writer known for her works on environmental, cultural, political, and social issues. Her writing spans a wide range of topics, including nature, travel, gender, and power. Her books include 'Wanderlust', 'A Field Guide to Getting Lost', and 'The Faraway Nearby'. more
You May Also Like
“Find some time to seclude yourself from the fuss of life and be face to face with yourself and God”
“The acts of observing and judging are necessarily solitary acts.”