From Here to There
From Here to There
Michael Bond
Robert Macfarlane
A wonderful book. - Robert Macfarlane
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From Here to There

From Here to There: The Art and Science of Finding and Losing Our Way

Michael Bond
By
Michael Bond
4.1
609
ratings on Goodreads

In "From Here to There," Michael Bond embarks on a remarkable journey into the essence of human navigation, unraveling the mysteries of our innate ability to find our way. Through an engaging blend of storytelling and scientific exploration, Bond delves into how we can traverse unfamiliar territories with a sense of direction, devise shortcuts in unknown locales, and the profound impact of our mental maps. This enlightening narrative navigates through the tales of Polynesian sailors, orienteering champions, and pioneering aviators, to the forefront of research in psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology, offering a panoramic view of how navigation is woven into the very fabric of our being. Bond's inquiry does more than chart the course of our navigational prowess; it reveals the vital role these skills have played in Homo sapiens' evolutionary journey and how they have shaped key cognitive functions such as abstract thinking and memory. "From Here to There" is more than a mere exploration of finding our way in the world; it is a testament to the intricate maps etched in our minds and hearts. As we venture into an era dominated by GPS and digital maps, Bond's compelling narrative serves as a reminder of the cognitive riches that lie in exercising our navigational skills, urging us to reconnect with this fundamental aspect of our humanity and discover the unexpected joys of orienting ourselves in the world's vast expanse.

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Released
2020
12 May
Length
304
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

A wonderful book. - Robert Macfarlane
When you're reading a conventional map, north is generally straight ahead, though this is entirely artefact of map-making culture and has no effect on orientation. Medieval European maps were 'east up', in line with Christian sensibilities, and early Islamic maps were orientated in the direction of Mecca. Whatever was important went at the top. 'North up' maps became commonplace during the sixteenth century, when European explorers began to make extensive journeys using the North Star and the (northward-pointing) compass to navigate. Since then, the idea of north has taken on an importance in people's imaginings: a place to strive for, or one that seems forever out of reach. A standard compass needle will assure you that there is always more north to be had, except when you reach the North Pole itself, at which point the needle will spin like a lost soul, confounded by its goal.
— Michael Bond, From Here to There

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