Paul Theroux Quotes on Travel

8 quotes

  1. Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.

  2. The realization that he is white in a black country, and respected for it, is the turning point in the expatriate's career. He can either forget it, or capitalize on it. Most choose the latter.

  3. Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.

  4. Extensive traveling induces a feeling of encapsulation, and travel, so broadening at first, contracts the mind.

  5. You define a good flight by negatives: you didn't get hijacked, you didn't crash, you didn't throw up, you weren't late, you weren't nauseated by the food. So you are grateful.

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

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

  8. 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.

All Paul Theroux quotes