If you were to ask any of my friends what their biggest pet peeve about me is, they would launch into a long rant about how slowly I walk. They would explain how I have no urgency and lollygag around campus. They are not alone in their complaints, as seen by the endless rants about slow walkers on Sidechat. Well, I say it’s time to bring back the lost art of lollygagging. 

While I understand that walking at a brisk pace is sometimes necessary, such as when heading to class, I’ve noticed that students at WashU seem to be in a constant hurry, even during ordinary moments of the day. There seems to be a hustle culture that suggests if you aren’t cooped up in Olin 24/7, you aren’t working hard enough. On a campus full of overachievers, we should all embrace taking leisurely strolls instead of speedwalking everywhere. We are fortunate to study on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, yet many students forget to appreciate the flowers as they beeline to their next class. 

“If you were to ask any of my friends what their biggest pet peeve about me is, they would launch into a long rant about how slowly I walk… I say it’s time to bring back the lost art of lollygagging.”

Of course, there are exceptions. Groups should avoid taking up entire sidewalks, and those walking slowly during passing periods should let others pass. However, this tendency to rush extends beyond the sidewalks and reflects the general mindset of daily life at WashU. I know plenty of people who count down the days until the next break, and I hear the phrase “time is money” at least once a week. While this mentality is understandable and even respectable at times, I think we as a community collectively need to slow down. Life is not always about getting to our next destination, but about enjoying the slow walk we take along the way.