What drives man? What causes us to strive for greatness, to do big things, to push the limits of the human body, to explore unknown lands, conquer unclimbable peaks, start multi-billion dollar companies, create great stories, write complex texts, create tall buildings, explore the reaches of space, solve unsolvable formulas, or win impossible battles? Why is there an unquenchable thirst in the souls of man that pushes us to never stop exploring? It is almost as if we are cursed to push the limits to the final frontier and beyond. It is never enough for us to settle. Things can always be done faster, bigger, better, and more adventurously. Records must be broken. Lands must not remain unexplored. Every single mountain in the world must be summitted, and then again, but this time, faster.
Why don’t we just sit around and bask in the accomplishments of our forefathers? Is it not enough that they have won the day for us, getting us to our place in modern society where comfort and ease are the orders of the day? Where the term “adventure” is thrown around so loosely that a late-night fast-food run counts as such?
For many today, this is all they need. Cake and circuses, my friends. Free entertainment and cheap food abounds. Plentiful are the comforts and few are the stressors, meaning that one can coast from day to day in ease and comfort.
This isn’t enough for some though. A minority these days, yes, but there are still some who’s blood runs red hot at the thought of such explorations of old. Some call them nomadic or vagabonds. Others say their heads are too far up in the clouds. They say to put your head down, invest in your 401k, work a safe job in a safe family home, don’t get too anxious about seeing far away places lest you forget about “your roots.” The roots are of course your average little town and your average little life, that everyone else is living as well. Shut up and work, comrade, TV and social media are adventuresome enough for you!
What is the cure for the wanderlust? Is there an answer for this question? Must a man seek out the wilderness? Must he immerse himself in his noble pursuits of knowledge, of art, of engineering, of explorations? This is partially rhetorical, yes, but I also think the answer presents itself as the question is being asked.
Much deliberation is given to these thoughts. One is always “one bad day away from dropping out of society altogether for pursuit of more visceral endeavors.” One grows weary of society.
The Heartlander's Journal 