The Need to Explore

Posted: 2010-08-18 11:35:17

I think at the heart of every person is a need to explore. The desire to venture into unknown territory, be it physical or intellectual, is a desire that is simply ingrained in people. I'm not saying everyone wants to be a mountain man, but that they thirst, however much or little, for the sense of wonderment that new discovery brings.

While driving home from Minneapolis this past weekend, I stared out the window at the rolling tree-covered hills, cow pastures, and thick forests, picturing myself trekking over the land in search for some small village to spend the night. A town where there is a blacksmith, a carpenter, tradesmen and animals living in a small, self-sustainable bubble.

In today's world, this is tough to find. I live in the city. And not just a city, but the third largest city in the country. Small farm villages don't really exist here. But luckily, I have outlets for these medieval desires.

Anyone who knows me knows that this stems from my love of fantasy writing and games. There is something about the minimalistic lives led in this genre that calls to me. Maybe it's because my real life is overrun with fast-paced, technology driven actions. I spend probably half my waking hours in front of computer. (And no, the irony of playing such games on a computer does not escape me).

It's not so much an escape from my everyday life, but just an extension of it. I found out recently that a colleague of mine carves arrowheads from stone in his spare time. He referred to it as his "analog hobby," since every other aspect of his life was so digital. I suppose this love of fantasy worlds, heroically exploring fantastical worlds, is my analog hobby. It's my answer to my digital life.