Respect was one thing. Survival was another. It was important that I kept my priorities in the right order. — Tahir Shah Important Copy Share Image
“Running an expedition can bring out the worst in a man. It can make you a power-crazed monster.” — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
One senses that, in these conditions, no amount of wet-wiping could bring true hygiene. — Tahir Shah Hygiene Copy Share Image
There’s nothing quite like a good quest for getting your blood pumping. — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
“The ants are bad" The Bear "the ants?"Tahir "Do not be fooled. They look very small, so harm you don't think of… — Tahir Shah Ants Copy Share Image
As a travel writer I've specialized in gritty, fearful destinations, the kind of places that make a reader's hair stick on end. — Tahir Shah Books Copy Share Image
“An intelligent enemy,' he would say, stroking his beard as if it were a bristly pet, 'rather than a foolish friend.' Or,… — Tahir Shah Afghan Copy Share Image
Where does one go in a tremendous city like Calcutta to find insider information? I recalled India's golden rule: do the opposite… — Tahir Shah Calcutta Copy Share Image
On a harsh expedition, there's no space for anyone who does not intend to finish. — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
Stories are not like the real world; they aren't held back by what we know is false or true. What's important is… — Tahir Shah Feels Copy Share Image
“Because there is no challenge, there is no reason to work hard. And with no reason to work hard, we all have… — Tahir Shah Destruction Copy Share Image
There comes a stage at which a man would rather die cleanly by a bullet than by the unknown terror of the… — Tahir Shah Bullets Copy Share Image
The pursuit of illusion is not about studying for prizes, or for study's sake. There's no right or wrong, no pass or… — Tahir Shah Education Copy Share Image
A journey, I reflected, is of no merit unless it has tested you. — Tahir Shah Journey Copy Share Image
There's nothing like a pack of mules to give one a sense of entourage. — Tahir Shah Entourage Copy Share Image
“In Morocco," said Osman, "word spreads like a fire tearing through the depths of Hell.” — Tahir Shah Gossip Copy Share Image
“It was an awkward moment. We were burning down our host's house, a situation which any guest seeks to avoid.” — Tahir Shah Awkward Copy Share Image
I was becoming addicted to Bombay. There was squalor and poverty, but I had begun to realise my good fortune and would… — Tahir Shah Becoming Copy Share Image
Enlightenment, and the death which comes before it, is the primary business of Varanasi. — Tahir Shah Buddhism Copy Share Image
My father used to tell me that stories offer the listener a chance to escape but, more importantly, he said, they provide… — Tahir Shah Ancient Copy Share Image
“The only thing they valued higher than ammunition were Man United footballs.” — Tahir Shah Ammunition Copy Share Image
“My journey to the land of the Shuar tribe had taught me the importance of practical gifts.” — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
“The ability to tell a good route from a terrible one is a valuable skill when leading an expedition. Unfortunately for us… — Tahir Shah Adventure Copy Share Image
For me, a journey to Damascus is an amazing hunt from beginning to end, a slice through layers of history in search… — Tahir Shah Ends Copy Share Image
