Arrows Quote by Barry Corbin
“I had a map on my wall that had a circle around Lubbock and then giant arrows pointing toward New York City and Los Angeles. Written across both arrows were the words 'Toward Civilization.' Of course, by the time I got to New York, I realized there really isn't any civilization.”
About This Quote
The speaker discovers that the notion of 'civilization' is an illusion, noting that geographic distance does not guarantee cultural advancement.
In simple terms: Travel reveals the myth of civilization.
Key Takeaway
Civilization is a construct, not a destination.
Themes
illusion
culture
travel
identity
perception
Mood
reflective
skeptical
wry
Type
anecdote
observation
philosophical
When to use this quote
- moving to a new city
- reflecting on hometown expectations
- encountering diverse cultures
Key Concepts
geography
social constructs
personal growth
Practical Applications
- critical thinking about cultural narratives
- writing travel essays
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a civilization?
- How do personal experiences reshape our assumptions?
