Books Quote by Bruce Chatwin
““Gradually the idea for a book began to take shape. It was to be a wildly ambitious and intolerant work, a kind of 'Anatomy of Restlessness' that would enlarge on Pascal's dictum about the man sitting quietly in a room. The argument, roughly, was as follows: that in becoming human, man had acquired, together with his straight legs and striding walk, a migratory 'drive' or instinct to walk long distances through the seasons; that this 'drive' was inseparable from his central nervous system; and, that, when warped in conditions of settlement, it found outlets in violence, greed, status-seeking or a mania for the new. This would explain why mobile societies such as the gypsies were egalitarian, thing-free and resistant to change; also why, to re-establish the harmony of the First State, all the great teachers - Buddha, Lao-tse, St Francis - had set the perpetual pilgrimage at the heart of their message and told their disciples, literally, to follow The Way.””
About This Quote
Source Book: In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin, 1977
The quote suggests human nature includes an innate migratory drive that, when constrained by settled life, manifests as aggression, greed, or constant seeking of novelty; wandering societies avoid these excesses.
In simple terms: Human instinct to roam can become restless or destructive when confined.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and channel restless energy constructively.
Themes
human nature
restlessness
wanderlust
civilization
spirituality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- urban stress
- creative projects
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
migration instinct
psychology of desire
cultural anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your environment shape your inner drive?
- Can structured routines satisfy the need to wander?
A Different Perspective
Not all cultures experience this drive equally; modern tech may alter it.
