The way of the flâneur is a discipline of unstructured engagement with the world that uncovers unpredictable paths to joy. The Flâneur does not deny the existence of misery but rather marvels at the multitude of experience one can encounter on a single street and seeks to empathize with each. It is the rejection of numbness in favor of letting the ramparts fall and immersing yourself in the human horde.
I read this little post and thought, "This man is me," in that, I don't have a phone; I've long looked at the computer on my desk as a glorified typewriter, (I loved London the one time I was there); and I love walking the streets of Vancouver. The thing about having a computer at your fingertips is that it prevents you from doing the things you used to do. You don't go to the library anymore because the library has come to you; you no longer write long rambling letters you drop into the post because now you have email, and text messaging. Welcome to the 21st century, and be prepared to be swamped with comments you never even asked for.
This seems to me like the kind of raw authenticity I've been missing on this space. Thank you for such honesty. Looking forward to discovering your work. As a fellow flâneur who's been living in Paris for the last 13 years, it is a pleasure to recognize--on the Internet, no less--members of a fellow tribe.
I used to walk and soak in the multitudinousness. A book in my pocket and the same seats at my regular cafés. Your words brought it all back. I miss me.
I would love to say I’ve never tweeted or chatted, though a late adapter, I am not as late as you. I do however have a tentative relationship with my phone which only started when my sons were teenagers and lived away from me… so it does what I need it to do, most of the time (when it’s not autocorrecting the word duck into all of my conversations) and I pay the bill and keep it charged appropriately.
I’m glad to find you here, Howard! I’ve not yet read any of your books, but I couldn’t miss this opportunity to get acquainted with your work. It’s never too late to get those books, too!
i used to think "a working class hero ...was something to be" thanks to john lennon...now thnks to Baudelarie and yourself i see its been "the flaneur" all along and its been a natural progression....indeed.
My words are still waking up, but I couldn’t leave without saying that reading this sent sparks of curiosity, joy and wonder fizzing around my body.
The way of the flâneur is a discipline of unstructured engagement with the world that uncovers unpredictable paths to joy. The Flâneur does not deny the existence of misery but rather marvels at the multitude of experience one can encounter on a single street and seeks to empathize with each. It is the rejection of numbness in favor of letting the ramparts fall and immersing yourself in the human horde.
I read this little post and thought, "This man is me," in that, I don't have a phone; I've long looked at the computer on my desk as a glorified typewriter, (I loved London the one time I was there); and I love walking the streets of Vancouver. The thing about having a computer at your fingertips is that it prevents you from doing the things you used to do. You don't go to the library anymore because the library has come to you; you no longer write long rambling letters you drop into the post because now you have email, and text messaging. Welcome to the 21st century, and be prepared to be swamped with comments you never even asked for.
This seems to me like the kind of raw authenticity I've been missing on this space. Thank you for such honesty. Looking forward to discovering your work. As a fellow flâneur who's been living in Paris for the last 13 years, it is a pleasure to recognize--on the Internet, no less--members of a fellow tribe.
What beautiful words...welcome to the Substack party Howard 💖 what a joy to be in your company and gift in equal measure ✨
What a complete joy to find you here Howard. Feel nourished just reading this post. Here’s to Substack’s own Baudelaire!
I used to walk and soak in the multitudinousness. A book in my pocket and the same seats at my regular cafés. Your words brought it all back. I miss me.
I would love to say I’ve never tweeted or chatted, though a late adapter, I am not as late as you. I do however have a tentative relationship with my phone which only started when my sons were teenagers and lived away from me… so it does what I need it to do, most of the time (when it’s not autocorrecting the word duck into all of my conversations) and I pay the bill and keep it charged appropriately.
I look forward to more of your meanderings!
Welcome to the social media sane place.
p.s. I still use a flip phone 💕
I’m glad to find you here, Howard! I’ve not yet read any of your books, but I couldn’t miss this opportunity to get acquainted with your work. It’s never too late to get those books, too!
Indeed, it is! Welcome, legend. 🫡🚀
Walk on...🌹
welcome to festival of ideas. 😀👍
look forward to your writings.
let's walk, grow, and learn together, Howard 🙏🏼
This is great, Howard! Looking forward to your next posts.
i used to think "a working class hero ...was something to be" thanks to john lennon...now thnks to Baudelarie and yourself i see its been "the flaneur" all along and its been a natural progression....indeed.