Martin MARDJUKI
MBA, Graduate School of Business and Finance
Paul Salopek arrived in Japan and greeted us at Waseda University with stories from his ten-year journey after traveling on foot from Ethiopia. Why, one may wonder, did Paul Salopek decide to take the slowest way to travel—on foot? His answer was simple yet profound: “To slow down.”
Paul Salopek’s route from Ethiopia to Japan and the upcoming walks Retrieved from: https://outofedenwalk.nationalgeographic.org
After spending nine years in fast journalism, Paul realised the true meaning of “bad news is good news.” Disasters most often herald the front page of newspapers, training our minds to expect the worst every time we read the news. “Imagine a village of 100 houses,” he said. “If one house is on fire, guess what makes the headline? The fire.” But what about the other 99 good stories that might have happened in the remaining houses? To show the world those other 99 stories, he launched a storytelling project named Out of Eden Walk, in which he uncovers silent stories rarely covered in global headlines—hoping to connect more deeply with the world’s overlooked voices, one step at a time.
Photo by John Stanmeyer/National Geographic
Through this method of “slow journalism,” Salopek has uncovered profound, human-centered stories. While global headlines in April 2025 were dominated by Trump’s new tariffs or the death of Pope Francis, Paul brought quieter but equally vital stories to the Waseda audience. One such story began in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia. A photo he shared showed African children guiding him through the desert, smiling while holding machine guns. These weapons, remnants of Cold War-era conflicts, are carried not for violence but for protection—against rival herders competing for scarce water sources. Instead of highlighting poverty or violence, Paul shared what the children taught him: how to survive in a harsh, changing climate—“travel light.” It was a powerful lesson in distinguishing between needs and wants in the age of consumerism.
Have you seen this kind of news in the global headlines? This kind of story can only be obtained by slowing down and actually spending time to sincerely get to know another person’s point of view. “When was the last time you spent hours or days really getting to know someone?” Paul challenged us. Technology has made communication instant but shallow. We swipe, scroll, and skim—often relying on stereotypes rather than genuine curiosity. Paul urged us to take the time to connect, to truly talk and listen. In an era where older generations still gather to talk, many young people don’t even know how to start a conversation. But Paul offered a simple remedy: start with these three universal questions—“Who are you?” “Where are you from?” “Where are you going?” Then, keep going. Keep asking. Keep listening.
Through his walk and words, Paul Salopek reminded us of something we’re quick to forget: the world is full of quiet stories waiting to be heard. But to truly hear them, slow down.
