Luigi Nacci with his book Laterza “I will not miss the road (what the journey can teach us)” brings to the attention of readers a new chapter of reflections on the journey and on walking. And consequently, on the moment of self-awareness that passes through the art of traveling and allows us to get out of pre-established schemes, both material and psychological. To choose new ways. Going and thus putting the traditional paradigms in crisis. Viandanza, the dance of the way, the way that dances, is for Nacci a small act of daily resistance. Almost a subversion of the spirit that leads each person’s life in an itinerary of experiences and discoveries. The wayfarer from Nacci carries around with him an impressive baggage of emotion. Made of memories, but also of dreams and reveries. Each individual, experiencing himself as a walker, enters into dialogue with his own interiority and listens to what surrounds him. In this way, new energies are generated and previously unforeseen possibilities are discovered. The surrounding area, including plants and insects, becomes a scene full of mystery and charm to be experienced intensely in every event. Leaving for good, without set deadlines, is equivalent to calling into question the nomadic side of each one. By recalling that condition set aside when the human being has become permanent and has adapted to the logic of an organized and productive society. A perspective, underlines Luigi Nacci, which rejects the very idea of nomadism and highlights its extraneousness to a society exclusively oriented to production. The path is in fact wisdom in itself and does not aim to produce. Among the tutelary deities of Nacci’s reflections, mythical references such as Chatwin and Thoreau. The latter, a complex thinker whom Nacci’s considerations free from simplifications by taking him out of the dictatorship of aphorisms and returning him to the vastness of the analyzes that belong to him.
The basic idea of Nacci’s writing consists in reviewing and rewriting the interaction between man and nature, rediscovering himself as small people, simple and eager to amaze. For the crucial achievement of a just measure it is essential not to turn your back on the world. Conversely, it is necessary to reconcile the relationship with things through a dimension of existence that opens up to the outside world. According to Nacci, the forest is a great teacher who guides you to discover yourself capable of many things and trains you to constantly learn new ones. The special teaching leads to rediscovering oneself minimal, allowing to regain a correct perspective in general. For example on private property. Or on consumerism. Walking, especially walking in winter, gives the whole perception of one’s own finitude, operating that resizing of oneself from which new energy and willingness to meet the other arise. The friendships born during the viandanze are special. The traveler loves friendship and lives it in a singular way. Waiting for the new, more or less fortuitous encounter, which may present itself at a new stage of the journey, at a new stop, or at a new turn in the road. The experience of the journey is foundational and can change forever whoever takes it. It creates a new awareness making it impossible to return to the former life, both in the professional sphere and in interpersonal relationships. It is no coincidence that once the pilgrim, leaving home, took leave of family and friends and did not neglect to make a will. He was aware that he was embarking on a phase of transition and embarking on an experience that could have profoundly affected his character and his destiny. Nacci builds a valuable volume which, from the best-known paths to “off-map” places, draws a series of indispensable references. To go. To get lost. And find yourself again.