It's All Been Done Before - Do It Anyway

One of my favorite books is "Travels With Charlie - In Search Of America" by Charles Steinbeck.  The book is about Steinbeck's journey around the US and his observations, both predictable and not so predictable, of what he saw and the people he met.  Steinbeck's trip took place in 1960, 4 years before I was born, and published in 1962.

The first time I read the book I found myself shocked at how little people had changed since 1960.  In 1960 there were concerns about the rapid advancement of technology, the economy, politicians, security and the direction of the United States.  If one were to change a few dates and lines in this book, it would be easy to believe that it was written last year.

Much of what we think is new or unique to our time, really isn't.  Simply pick up a book, newspaper or magazine from 50 years ago and you'll find out little has changed other than styles and our "gadgets".

Too often we rely on others to tell us what the world is like, it's beauties and dangers.  Sometimes what we hear, see or read took place years ago and things have changed for the better.  Sometimes what we hear, see or read is from the perspective of the "reporter", which will always reflect something about the them, good and bad.

Steinbeck had been writing about people from his past and those he met in his travels but felt that he'd lost touch with America and the subjects he was writing about.  This trip was his way of regaining that lost connection.  He wanted to experience places, things and most importantly people and write about those experiences.

The point of all of this is simple.  Even though most things have been done before, do them anyway.  Experience life for yourself and form your own opinions, tastes and memories.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker