The Surprising Connection Between Trails, Science, and the Internet

Turning Off Screens and Embarking on the Search for Paths Few activities are as simple and soothing for the modern soul as hiking. To turn off the screens, power down devices, and immerse oneself in nature for days is an experience that allows people to rediscover their primal vigor, far removed from a digital-saturated daily life. In reality, however, the opportunity to walk a long-distance trail is rare in our busy lives. Instead, many experience the great outdoors vicariously through books that recount journeys along the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Terence O’Brien, weekend editor for the U.S. tech media outlet The Verge, was one such reader. The book he picked up was On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor. Initially, O’Brien expected a typical hiking memoir. But his expectations were completely subverted—in a good way.

From Ant Trails to Fiber Optics—The Universality of “Paths” The book’s unique premise becomes evident right from the prologue. Moor begins by recounting his decision to thru-hike (complete the entire length of) the Appalachian Trail. However, the first chapter takes an unexpected turn as he embarks on a journey to Western Brook Pond in Newfoundland, delving into the very concept of “wilderness.” Moor’s vivid description of being trapped on a ridge during a storm is unforgettable: “For about an hour, I was enveloped by waves of thunder that rattled my eardrums, offering me ample time to reconsider the meaning of hiking. Stripped of its romantic trappings, the wilderness ceased to inspire awe. The line separating sublimity from terror was as thin as a gauze.” This passage hints that the book is far more than a travelogue or a trail memoir. In the second chapter, Moor suddenly shifts focus to ant trails, exploring the subtle differences in English words used to describe “linear movement.” From there, the author traverses a multitude of themes, including animal tracks, fiber-optic cables, and his own experiences as a shepherd. Throughout, Moor transitions seamlessly between tones: one moment he is waxing poetic about the power of nature; the next, he recounts losing track of an entire flock of sheep with the comedic timing of a stand-up comic. Then, without missing a beat, he launches into a philosophical analysis of the damages wrought by colonialism.

The Link Between the “Proto-Internet” of 1945 and Trails What makes this book particularly fascinating is how it refuses to confine the concept of trails to the realm of hiking or the natural world. Moor turns his gaze to the digital landscape, extending his discussion to include the “proto-internet,” an information system conceived by engineer Vannevar Bush in 1945. Bush, who led the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) during World War II, proposed a personal information machine called “Memex” to address post-war challenges of managing information. Memex was based on the idea of linking documents through trails, a concept considered a precursor to hypertext and the World Wide Web. Moor reinterprets Bush’s vision through the lens of trails, suggesting that the connections between pieces of information are fundamentally akin to physical paths. Just as fiber-optic cables stretch beneath the earth, transmitting data as pulses of light around the globe, Moor argues that these networks are, in essence, not so different from the paths animals beat into the wilderness or the pheromone trails laid down by ants to communicate with their colony. Seeking the shortest route, establishing an efficient path, and eventually forming networks—these “logics of trails” are universal principles that link both the natural world and digital space.

A Tapestry of Anecdotes and Philosophy Another of the book’s charms lies in Moor’s writing. One moment, he’s quoting poet Gary Snyder to describe the beauty of the natural world; the next, he’s humorously recounting how he once lost an entire flock of sheep. Before the laughter has subsided, he pivots to a heavy topic like the devastation wrought by colonialism. Such bold shifts in tone could easily come across as chaotic, but as O’Brien notes in his review, the book is “utterly engrossing” and “never feels disjointed, despite the leaps between topics.” This is a testament to Moor’s extraordinary literary skill. The book begins with a simple question: How are trails—such as the Appalachian Trail or any hiking path—formed? From there, the discussion branches out into countless tributaries, exploring the ecology of ants, the history of colonialism, the futuristic visions of engineers, and the musings of poets, all while expanding the horizons of knowledge.

The Relevance of “Paths” in the Digital Age In contemporary society, the concept of “paths” is rapidly evolving. While physical roads and trails still exist, many of the “paths” we navigate daily are now in digital spaces. We follow links from one web page to another, scroll through social media feeds, and trace search results to access information—these, too, are forms of trails. Moor’s book poses a provocative question: could these digital paths fundamentally share the same essence as animal trails in the woods or hiking routes in the mountains? Both represent traces of movement from “here to there,” both become formalized through repeated use, and both eventually form networks. For readers involved in the tech industry, this perspective is particularly insightful. Designing internet infrastructure, optimizing search algorithms, and crafting user experiences—these may all be rooted in humanity’s primal act of creating paths.

Conclusion—A Richness That Defies Expectations On Trails might initially confuse readers seeking a straightforward hiking memoir. However, the book’s unexpected direction takes readers to places far more enriching than anticipated. From ant trails to fiber optics, from animal tracks to the internet, and from the sublime wilderness to the dark legacy of colonialism, Moor weaves together a vivid tapestry of natural science, history, technology, and philosophy—all connected by the singular thread of “paths.” For those of us unable to venture into the great outdoors, this book offers a deeply intellectual journey into the meaning of walking trails, both literal and metaphorical. --- FAQ: Q: What is On Trails: An Exploration about? A: It’s a nonfiction book by Robert Moor that explores the essence of various “paths”—hiking trails, ant trails, animal tracks, fiber optics, the internet, and more. It traverses fields such as natural science, history, technology, and philosophy. Q: How does the book connect with technology? A: The book discusses fiber-optic cables and the “Memex,” a proto-internet concept envisioned in 1945 by engineer Vannevar Bush. It examines the shared logic between physical trails and digital networks. Q: Can I enjoy the book even if I’m not a hiker? A: Absolutely. While the book touches on hiking, it’s more of an intellectual exploration of the concept of “trails.” Anyone interested in science, history, or technology will find it compelling.