Desire Paths: The Trails That Define Us
Desire path on the University of Oregon Campus (taken by Helen Myers)
“Please stay on the path.” This is a common phrase scattered throughout parks, hiking trails, and college campuses. Landscapers work diligently to create a natural order in public spaces and guide people towards their destination through clearly defined walkways.
But sometimes, the rebellious human spirit prevails.
Desire paths are the unplanned lines carved out by repeated human or animal movement. They form when there is a disconnect between the design of a space and how people actually use it. When the quickest way from point A to B is not the designated path, people blaze their own trail, unknowingly eroding the ground over time.
These almost unnoticeable features reveal a larger societal shift towards hustle culture.
Desire paths highlight the state of constant motion we find ourselves in. We value productivity over fulfillment and never give ourselves enough time for leisure.
Urban areas are the epitome of haste. Cities are full of frantic citizens rushing to work, school, or another one of the hundreds of obligations they have to be on time for. Even if you don’t have a planned destination, the very environment of a city encourages speedwalking rather than strolling. It's rare to walk down a busy street and not feel a sense of chaos or get bumped by someone trying to pass you. Those who don't hurry get left behind.
I’m entirely guilty of this mindset. I hate being late. When walking to class, I stray from the path, cut corners, and trudge through mud just to shave a couple seconds off of my commute time. It never feels like there’s enough time to take the scenic route, or observe the world around me.
But you have to make time.
In our short existence on this planet we are the masters of our destiny. When we rush, the world flies by without us noticing. Take time to be observant. Put down distractions and sit with your thoughts and feelings. You might realize that your endless trail blazing is altering the ground beneath your feet.
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About the author: Helen Myers is a third-year student at the University of Oregon, majoring in journalism and advertising and minoring in French.