"We are eternal pilgrims": Serbian writer Viktor Lazic on travel as the essence of human nature

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Travel is a fundamental human need, and in the future it should become part of educational programmes, believes Serbian writer and Director General of the Museum of Serbian Literature, Viktor Lazic. He shared this forecast at the National Centre RUSSIA during the session "Geography of Travel" within the Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Geography".

According to the expert, the future of travel is linked to a deep understanding that it is an integral part of our nature, an important tool for self-education and even a foundation of existence.

"There may be a question: are there not more important things in the world — such as food and everyday concerns? But there is a philosophical concept, homo viator — 'the travelling human', and this is not just a metaphor. A human is an eternal pilgrim who moves through the world, which is why travel has not only a physical, but also an existential and spiritual dimension," said Viktor Lazic.

The writer from Serbia added that homo viator is inseparably connected with homo curiosus — 'the curious human'. According to him, everything people have done since their appearance in the world, right up to space flights, is in one way or another connected with movement. Curiosity has driven them to unknown lands, often without a specific goal — simply to try something new. This, the expert noted, is how the Russian Empire emerged: someone showed curiosity, risked their life and set out to explore Siberia.

The development of technology is accelerating processes: we share news faster and cross continents more easily. However, according to Viktor Lazic, the essence remains the same: at the core of everything is movement — in nature, in space, in the Universe — and without understanding this deep need it is impossible to comprehend either human nature or one’s own identity. The writer himself spent 15 years travelling around the world and admits that each long journey changed him profoundly. He is convinced that the knowledge he gained on the road far surpassed what he learned at university. That is why, in his view, travel must be included in educational programmes.

"In developed countries, it has already become common for students to take a year off before entering university or after graduating — and to travel. I am convinced that this should be part of the curriculum. Young people will learn more about history, sociology, psychology and life in general through travel — sometimes even more than in university classes," the Serbian writer concluded.

The Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future" is the educational track of the International Symposium "Inventing the Future". It is held quarterly and brings together experts from different countries to jointly design positive scenarios for the future. The speakers’ ideas form the basis of neural videos that viewers can evaluate, thereby becoming co-authors of inspiring concepts for the development of society.

A recording of the expert session with Viktor Lazic and other events of the Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Geography" is available on the website russia.ru in the "Livestreams and Videos" section.