Cartographical Exuberance in the Public Arena

Of course, way back then it was quite common for someone to get a map out in public, especially in out of the way places, or tourist-frequented areas. Nowadays though, in our more technologically-adept lifestyles, such cartographical exuberance would be mostly looked upon askance, now that we have satnavs, smartphones and other such gizmotronic wizardry.

However, we should take a more philosophical approach to such disorientations of space. After all, when all is said and done, and we’ve had a break for a sandwich or two, we always know exactly where we are.

We are always here.

Although, there may be some temporary doubts to where here actually is, especially in relation to relatively nearby places that are not here, we are – in fact – here.

Always.

So, examined in such a way, we are never actually lost in the first place. We are – quite confidently – found. It is the rest of the world that is lost (or at least temporarily mislaid), not us.

So, then it is just a simple matter of locating where here actually is, especially in relation to over there and turn left at the next set of traffic lights. However, one should always give everyone else in the immediate vicinity the impression that you always know exactly where you are, even if you - especially if you – don’t have the faintest clue where here actually is.

It is always best to stride, ride, drive, or whatever your current means of locomotion off in some direction – even if it is chosen at random - than to stand around gawping at whatever location-finding device you are using. It really doesn’t matter which way you go, for as soon as you get there you will be here, and therefore know exactly where you are, and therefore – by definition – no longer lost.