Sylvain Tesson : "Je n'aime pas tellement cette époque"

Summary

Sylvain Tesson, a seasoned traveler and writer, reflects on his life journey shaped by a passion for exploration and the freedom instilled by his parents. Despite a life-altering accident that left him physically scarred, Tesson finds healing in perpetual movement, notably through walking. He shares his disdain for the modern era's obsession with technology and statistics, emphasizing the beauty of solitude and nature. His narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, the futility of progress, and the deep connection between humans and the landscapes they encounter, suggesting that true fulfillment lies not in progress, but in presence and reflection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tesson values personal freedom, a trait instilled by his parents, which fuels his lifelong passion for adventure and exploration.
• 😀 Despite surviving a life-threatening accident, Tesson refuses to dwell on the past and believes forgetting painful memories is essential for healing.
• 😀 Tesson emphasizes the healing power of walking, describing it as both a physical and mental restoration, connecting him back to life.
• 😀 He has traveled extensively, from the Himalayas to Siberia, and sees each journey as an opportunity for self-discovery.
• 😀 Tesson critiques modern society's obsession with technology and statistics, arguing it has led to a loss of poetry and adventure in life.
• 😀 He rejects the digital age and mobile phones, viewing them as forms of electronic imprisonment that disconnect individuals from meaningful personal reflection.
• 😀 Tesson values silence, solitude, and personal reflection as crucial states of being, contrasting them with the constant noise of digital communication.
• 😀 He questions the idea of progress, suggesting that advancements in technology may not actually be improvements, but rather a development of errors such as violence, folly, and stupidity.
• 😀 Although he once preferred the company of mountains to people, Tesson now suggests his views on relationships may be evolving, possibly seeking deeper human connections.
• 😀 Tesson rejects the societal pressure to have children, believing humanity is not biologically threatened and that there are other ways to contribute to the world.

Q & A

How did Sylvain Tesson’s upbringing influence his perspective on life and freedom?

Tesson's childhood was marked by a strong sense of freedom, instilled by his parents. His father, a free-spirited journalist, and his mother, a doctor, emphasized the importance of liberty. This sense of freedom led him to embrace movement and exploration throughout his life.

What role did physical movement and travel play in Sylvain Tesson's recovery after his accident?

After his serious accident, walking became a vital part of Tesson's recovery. He found that movement and travel provided not only physical healing but also psychological and emotional restoration, with benefits for both his body and mind.

How did Tesson’s accident affect his view on life and the value of existence?

Tesson’s near-death experience from the accident led him to a heightened appreciation for life. He gained a new sense of urgency, valuing each moment more deeply, seeing life as a precious gift that should not be taken for granted.

Why does Tesson refer to the need for peril in life to truly appreciate its value?

Tesson believes that exposing oneself to danger or risk is a way to realize the true value of life. He suggests that without challenges or risks, one may not fully understand the worth of existence, as the confrontation with mortality sharpens the awareness of life’s fragility.

How did Tesson view the advancements in technology and society?

Tesson expresses skepticism about the role of technology in modern society, feeling that it prioritizes efficiency over creativity and connection. He criticizes the obsession with data, statistics, and progress, which he believes has replaced deeper values like poetry and human connection.

What is Tesson’s opinion on the modern world’s reliance on technology, especially smartphones?

Tesson is critical of modern technology, particularly smartphones, viewing them as 'electronic bracelets' that limit personal freedom and impose constant connectivity. He opposes the immediate responsiveness demanded by digital tools and prefers the quiet and reflective states that come with disconnection.

What does Tesson mean by 'the miracle of the Celtic coast' in his travel writings?

Tesson describes the Celtic coast, particularly the cliffs and landscapes of places like Brittany, as miraculous and awe-inspiring. He highlights the raw beauty of nature, where land and sea meet, creating a sense of wonder that he believes encapsulates the grace and majesty of the world.

Why does Tesson feel a need to escape from the modern era?

Tesson is disillusioned with the fast-paced, data-driven nature of contemporary life. He believes that the modern era, driven by technology and materialism, lacks the mystery and beauty that past eras offered, and he seeks solace in simpler, more poetic experiences of nature and solitude.

What is Tesson’s view on human progress and the evolution of society?

Tesson is skeptical of the concept of progress, arguing that it may only represent the development of errors like violence, foolishness, and madness. He questions whether human evolution truly leads to betterment, especially in terms of emotional or spiritual growth.

How does Tesson reconcile his love for nature and landscapes with his changing views on relationships?

While Tesson once preferred to be enamored with nature rather than people, he acknowledges a shift in his perspective. He now seems open to the idea that his 'quest for the Grail' might involve connecting with a person, like a woman, as much as it does with landscapes, suggesting a balance between solitude and human connection.