Caroline Brimmer on pedalling thoughts...

Albert Einstein, a keen cyclist, said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Cyclists on The School of Life’s recent Philosophy by Bicycle holiday certainly agreed. With just over 20 miles and the whole of Western philosophy to navigate in a day, there wasn’t much time for hanging around.

And yet, as all cyclists know, the saddle is one of the very best places from which to contemplate the world. As Robert M Pirsig, author of the infamous Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, said “In a car you’re always in a compartment...You’re a passive observer. On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re in the scene, not just watching it. The sense of presence is overwhelming.”

Led by philosopher Nigel Warburton and presenter of Resonance FM’s Bike Show, Jack Thurston, this incredible day saw us debating the nature of self under a tree in Victoria Park, questioning our experience of space under a flyover next to the Albert Docks, considering choice as we circumvented the new Olympic site and discussing death whilst dodging pedestrians in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

And if it all sounds a bit like hard work, don’t worry, we also fitted in numerous refreshment stops and a leisurely pub lunch by the river. In fact, it was so much fun, we’ve decided to do it again.

To find out more and to join us for the next ride which will take place on Saturday 25 July, click here.

Caroline Brimmer is Programme Manager at The School of Life

Comments

[Ellen Smith]

I never have likened life to riding a bike, and reading it from your article, I should say that indeed it is true..
Life is full of obstacles that pulls you down if you dont keep going you will lose your balance and fall.

Thanks so much for sharing this thought.