A Means Without End

The walker, the real walker, can have no destination, W. says. He walks is a means without end. A pure means, uncoupled from the purpose that might channel the walker. In this way, the street is as open as the desert. As open as an ocean – a pure expanse. You can wander this way, or that. Make this turn, or that. Freedom – for you are without the aim that would determine your course.

Of course, the walker must also be a great student, a great learner, W. says. There is a pedagogy of the streets. Other walkers have been there before you – you need to learn about them. Marchers, demonstrators – about them, too. And about history – the great sweep of history, even if, in the end, history is the burden from which the walker longs to escape.