5 Paul Theroux Quotes on Culture

Paul Theroux quotes on culture

4. 'Mustn't grumble' was the most English of expressions. English patience was mingled inertia and despair. What was the use? But Americans did nothing but grumble! Americans also boasted. 'I do some pretty incredible things' was not an English expression. 'I'm fairly keen' was not American. Americans were showoffs-it was part of our innocence-we often fell on our faces; the English seldom showed off, so they seldom looked like fools.

12. The Japanese have perfected good manners and made them indistinguishable from rudeness.

14. You must not judge people by their country. In South America, it is always wise to judge people by their altitude.

16. Even the most distant and exotic place has its parallel in ordinary life.

17. You have to find out for yourself. Take the leap. Go as far as you can. Try staying out of touch. Become a stranger in a strange land. Acquire humility. Learn the language. Listen to what people are saying.