“These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days, these boots will walk on over you.” This is a popular Nancy Sinatra refrain from the 1960s. It reminds us that footwear has been a part of civilization since time immemorial, when we first left the Rift Valley. (1) Of course, we did not have any covering for our feet. It was soon realized, however, that some form of protection made the journey forward and the hunting of prey far easier. Thus, the first undertaking of footwear was associated with self-transportation. Later, its significance was further amplified by the discovery that speed could increase one’s food supply. Foot coverings protected us from stones, thorns, and broken ground, allowing the body to move further and faster with far less injury.
Footwear has greatly developed over time. What began as a simple covering of skins soon became pieces of leather that were processed from animal hide. What began to occur was that uniqueness, or style, was also invited to be present: “I want something just a little bit different.” This was especially true as we began to acquire individual wealth. Initially, prosperity was associated with land and property. In history, as is true of today, productive ground produced food. The four attributes of food, clothing, shelter, and entertainment have always endured through war, catastrophe, and suffering. They are permanent features of the human condition. These necessities have always existed.
Footwear and its partner, clothing, display how a person exists in the world. The very first recognizable shoe was found in Armenia. It dates to 3,500 BC. (2) That said, foot covering obviously existed far before this time. (3) With some form of shoe comes the necessity of style — to be different: “I want to differentiate myself from others.” Style lives in the arena of self-awareness and the capacity to take action in the world.
As consciousness came to primitive man, we began to realize that no amount of religion or shamanism would allow us the capacity to look like another human being. I am alone; therefore, the only true relationship I can have is with God, Gaia, or the Universe. It is with this psychological partnership that early man began to be stylish, to himself and to others.
In the Blombos Cave in South Africa, (4) we have examples of ochre-engraved bone and marine shell beads. These are obviously attempts at self-beautification or personal enhancement. This was as early as 100,000 years ago. It shows how long we have wanted to stand out from the crowd and be unique and stylish.
In the modern era, however, we appear to have stumbled. Style is apparently anti-style. Many people dress extremely poorly and sloppily. The reason is that we are told that we should now be more comfortable. Why do we have to look stylish and beautiful? The Internet is fueling this lackadaisical approach to life. We take selfies of ourselves and post them on our Instagram or Facebook pages. It is as if we want to say, “Gosh, I look grand, and I look good and attractive.” This, unfortunately, is just not true.
As with any phenomenon, and this includes style, effort is required to gain the inside knowledge necessary to excel. The businessman is very, very clever. Once everyone was overdressed, and now we are “dressing down.” (5) Footwear has responded in kind. Presently, sports shoes are “all the rage,” but they are expensive. The consumer has not benefited from this understatement movement. Let us then be clever and know how to wear the correct footwear at the appropriate time because, despite the romance of Sinatra’s lyrics, these boots are also meant to show style. From Christian Louboutin: (6) Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.
A closing thought: We must remember that the exterior world can only see my body and hear my words. My beautiful private world remains hidden unless I bring it into the world in all its magnificence.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about footwear and its association with protection and style.
To be noted: From Bette Midler: (7) I firmly believe that with the right footwear, one can rule the world.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNg6Nv1Ey8Y&list=RDhNg6Nv1Ey8Y&start_radio=1
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF33V2s5tB0
This week, on your playful and stylish walk, please reflect on what travel has meant to your life.
Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave — critical thinking is great!
Quote: Have some panache in your life
Footnotes:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_human_migrations
2) https://historyofinformation.com/detail.php?entryid=3199
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gojm5R10vyw
6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Louboutin
7)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxvPjuREDpE&list=RDjxvPjuREDpE&start_radio=1