Quotes: Val McDermid

"Would everyone simply return to their old habits once the pandemic was over, or would they have learned what Karen already knew –– that walking the city was its own reward? Time for thought, time to spy on the lives of others, time to discover new routes and expand the mental map."

–– Val McDermid (b. 1955), Scottish author 

Source: Val McDermid. Past Lying: A Karen Pirie novel. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2023; p. 442. 

via: Commonplace Book 2024, p. 16.

Quotes: E. Annie Proulx

"Walking induces a trance like state that allows the mind freedom and ease and encourages exploration of odd possibilities and improbable connections." 

–– E. Annie Proulx (b. 1935), American writer 

via: Sketchbook 31, 2021, p. 150.

Quotes: Thomas Jefferson

"The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk, but divert yourself by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise." 

–– Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), American politician, U.S. president, architect, philosopher and lawyer

via Sketchbook 17, 2012, p. 108