Description

Drawing on the ancient legend of Romulus and Remus, Thoreau unearths the primal tension between wildness and civilization with his famous declaration: "In Wildness is the preservation of the World."

In this episode of The Peripatetics, we journey through the mythic origins of Rome, explore its eventual fall, and come face to face with the wild forces that shape individuals and empires. Along the way, I share personal reflections on my childhood at the edge of the Pineywoods in Texas, questioning whether any wildness remains within us in an increasingly domesticated world.

Transcripts of all episodes are available here. Find Trey on Instagram.

Episode Themes Include:

• The Tension Between Wildness and Civilization: The episode delves into how wildness provides the raw strength needed for civilizations to rise, but also contains the seeds of their eventual downfall. This theme explores how the primal forces of nature and humanity are both essential and destructive, depending on how they're wielded.
• The Paradox of Wildness: Wildness is presented as a contronym—simultaneously representing freedom and danger, nurturing and chaos. This duality is central to understanding how wildness functions in both nature and civilization, as well as in our individual lives.
• The Loss of Wildness in the Modern World: There's a personal reflection on whether the wildness within us has been lost due to the domestication of modern life. This mirrors the broader story of Rome, where civilization grows disconnected from its wild roots, ultimately leading to its vulnerability.
• The Cycle of Rise and Fall: Rome's mythic origins and eventual fall illustrate a broader truth about the cyclical nature of history—civilizations and individuals are nourished by wildness, but they often lose their way as they seek control, leading to their decline.
• Reconnecting with Wildness: The episode questions how we can rediscover the wildness within us—whether by exploring natural environments or through our everyday interactions with the untamed aspects of life. This theme invites a deeper reflection on how we can cultivate a balance between wild and civilized impulses.
• The Role of Nature as Teacher: Throughout the episode, nature is depicted not just as a force to be controlled or feared, but as a guide and nurturer—offering insights into the essence of humanity and the importance of humility in the face of natural forces.

Join us as we delve into the deep connections between nature, culture, and identity, revealing how the untamed world continues to shape our inner and outer landscapes.

About The Show

Inspired by the ancient tradition of walking philosophers — from Aristotle and his followers to Thoreau and Nietzsche  — who walked as a way to engage deeply with their thoughts and ideas, The Peripatetics wanders through th e thoughts of great thinkers in nature, art, literature, and philosophy as they intersect with the simple, transformative act of walking.

In season 1, we are discussing Henry David Thoreau's definitive essay on the subject of walking, connecting it with wisdom from a wide swath of philosophic tradtions which share his devotion to achieving clarity and peace through movement.

Whether you're a fellow walker, someone looking for a bit of tranquility, or just curious about how a good walk can change your perspective, you're in the right place.

May your path be smooth and your pace steady.

About The Host

Trey Hill is a filmmaker who cut his teeth as a photographer and one-man-band storyteller for non-profits and NGOs, work which carried him around the world as he sought to expose the inner light present in some of the planet's most overlooked people. He also spent 10 seasons in the NHL as team photographer for the Dallas Stars and has, for the better part of the last decade, directed TV commercials for global brands, working with household names, musicians, sports heroes, and politicians. In 2019, his feature-length debut, the documentary LOUD KRAZY LOVE about Korn's Brian "Head" Welch, premiered on Showtime.