“But that's the glory of foreign travel, as far as I am concerned. I don't want to know what people are talking about. I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can't read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can't even reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.”
Analysis of Bill Bryson's Quote
In this quote from Bill Bryson, he highlights the excitement and sense of wonder that comes with traveling to a foreign country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Bryson reflects on the feeling of being like a child again, discovering new things and feeling a heightened sense of curiosity and adventure. This lack of knowledge and understanding is what makes travel so exhilarating for him as it introduces an element of unpredictability and forces him to rely on his instincts and observations to navigate his surroundings. This quote encapsulates the essence of travel and the joy of exploring the unknown.
Embracing the Unknown in Foreign Travel
In today's hyperconnected world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, the idea of being in a foreign country and feeling completely lost may seem daunting to some. However, Bill Bryson's words still hold true in emphasizing the excitement and wonder that come with exploring the unknown. In a time where we are constantly seeking comfort and familiarity, stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unfamiliar can bring a sense of childlike curiosity and adventure that is truly unparalleled.
Bill Bryson on the Glory of Foreign Travel
In this quote, Bill Bryson captures the essence of the joy and excitement that comes with traveling to a foreign country where everything is unfamiliar. The sense of wonder and childlike curiosity that arises from being in a place where you are ignorant of almost everything is described beautifully by Bryson.
Reflection Questions
As we explore new countries and cultures, we are often faced with a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. Consider the following reflection questions to deepen your understanding of this experience:
- How does being in a foreign country make you feel like a child again?
- In what ways does not knowing the language or customs of a new place impact your sense of wonder and adventure?
- Reflect on a time when you were in a foreign country and felt completely out of your element. How did this experience shape your perception of the world?
- How can embracing the unknown and unfamiliar aspects of a new culture enhance your travel experience and broaden your perspective?
- Think about a specific moment during your travels when you had to rely on your intuition and instincts to navigate a foreign environment. How did this challenge you to adapt and learn in new ways?
Feel free to write down your thoughts or discuss these questions with a friend to gain different perspectives on the joy of being lost in a new and exciting place.
Similar quotes
“But that’s the wonderful thing about foreign travel, suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most basic sense of how things work, you can’t even reliably cross the street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.”
“I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.”
“I feel certain that I am going mad again. I feel we can't go through another of those terrible times. And I shan't recover this time. I begin to hear voices, and I can't concentrate. So I am doing what seems the best thing to do. You have given me the greatest possible happiness. You have been in every way all that anyone could be. I don't think two people could have been happier 'til this terrible disease came. I can't fight any longer. I know that I am spoiling your life, that without me you could work. And you will I know. You see I can't even write this properly. I can't read. What I want to say is I owe all the happiness of my life to you. You have been entirely patient with me and incredibly good. I want to say that — everybody knows it. If anybody could have saved me it would have been you. Everything has gone from me but the certainty of your goodness. I can't go on spoiling your life any longer. I don't think two people could have been happier than we have been.”
“Dearest, I feel certain that I am going mad again. I feel we can't go through another of those terrible times. And I shan't recover this time. I begin to hear voices, and I can't concentrate. So I am doing what seems the best thing to do. You have given me the greatest possible happiness. You have been in every way all that anyone could be. I don't think two people could have been happier 'til this terrible disease came. I can't fight any longer. I know that I am spoiling your life, that without me you could work. And you will I know. You see I can't even write this properly. I can't read. What I want to say is I owe all the happiness of my life to you. You have been entirely patient with me and incredibly good. I want to say that – everybody knows it. If anybody could have saved me it would have been you. Everything has gone from me but the certainty of your goodness. I can't go on spoiling your life any longer. I don't think two people could have been happier than we have been. V.”
“And where," Socrates smiled, "is the universe?""The universe is well, there are theories about how it's shaped...""That's not what I asked. Where is it?""I don't know - how can I answer that?""That is the point. You cannot answer it, and you never will. There is no knowing about it. You are ignorant of where the universe is, and thus, where you are. In fact, you have no knowledge of where anything is or of What anything is or how is came to be. Life is a mystery."My ignorance is based on this understanding. Your understanding is based on ignorance. This is why I am a humorous fool, and you are a serious jackass.”