A Journey of Thought Along the Saane: The Yehudi Menuhin Philosophers' Walk has undergone a thoughtful renewal. New plaques, adorned with fresh quotes and QR codes, invite passersby to reflect as they walk along the peaceful Saane River. This reimagining of a beloved landmark was celebrated with an inauguration at the Menuhin Center in Saanen.

Despite a gentle rain falling on the August afternoon, the sense of achievement and enthusiasm was undiminished. Brothers Çetin and Erhan Köksal, the driving forces behind the project, had spent over a year carefully curating and expanding the experience. What began as a modest walk featuring twelve quotes from Yehudi Menuhin has now grown to include 14 plaques, each blending Menuhin's insights with those of philosophers from around the world, across all eras. This pairing of ideas encourages visitors to explore Menuhin's mind and engage with a broader spectrum of human thought.

"Knowledge of Yehudi Menuhin is essential to our cultural heritage," said Çetin Köksal, the association’s president. "His significance to the Saanenland is beyond question." The updates to the walk aim to deepen this connection by encouraging both contemplation and discovery. Each new plaque is a conversation between Menuhin and a philosopher, their ideas intertwined to inspire deeper reflection on music, philosophy, and life.

One particularly moving addition is a quote from the Kenyan philosopher John Mbiti, known for exploring African spiritual traditions. His words, "I am because we are; and since we are, I am," resonate deeply, reminding us of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. The pairing of such diverse voices offers a broader, more inclusive perspective on the walk—now accessible to international visitors, with translations available for all.

The project was no small feat. The meticulous research required to find suitable philosophical companions for Menuhin’s words took longer than anticipated. "It was challenging to find philosophers who not only matched Menuhin thematically but also brought new, thought-provoking perspectives," admitted Çetin, though with a quiet sense of pride. The outcome speaks for itself, offering a richer and more varied intellectual experience for all who wander the path.

The modernisation and internationalisation of the Philosophers' Walk are grounded in a belief that art, especially classical music, should be accessible to everyone. "Classical music, much like philosophy, should never be reserved for a privileged few," Çetin asserts. This sentiment drives the project, encouraging both locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Saane river and engage with timeless ideas that transcend borders.

Modernism, in this context, is not simply about new technology or design—it's about the pursuit of knowledge, the embrace of new ideas, and the courage to question the world around us. The renewed Philosophers' Walk invites all who tread its path to do just that: to reflect, to question, and perhaps to walk away with a fresh perspective on life, much like Yehudi Menuhin himself once did.

Based on AvS | Elisa Opermann | Edited by Jeanette Wichmann