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Travel by air is not travel at all, but simply a change of…

“Travel by air is not travel at all, but simply a change of location; so my wife and daughter and I went to San Francisco by train, leaving Boston on a Wednesday morning in June and, then after lunch in New York, boarding Amtrak's Broadway to Chicago.” quote by Andre Dubus
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“Travel by air is not travel at all, but simply a change of location; so my wife and daughter and I went to San Francisco by train, leaving Boston on a Wednesday morning in June and, then after lunch in New York, boarding Amtrak's Broadway to Chicago.”

Andre Dubus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Air travel is portrayed as superficial movement, whereas train travel offers a deeper, more intentional experience of place and time.

In simple terms: Flying feels shallow; trains feel real.

Key Takeaway

Choose slower travel to truly experience a journey.

Themes

travel perspective intentionality environment family

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family vacation
  • cross‑country trip
  • train travel
  • slow tourism

Key Concepts

mobility authenticity temporal awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “travel” mean to you beyond moving?
  • How does mode of transport shape your experience?
A Different Perspective

Trains are slower and less convenient, limiting spontaneity.

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