Skip to content

Travel Quote by Paul Bowles

“Another important difference between tourist and traveler is that the former accepts his own civilization without question; not so the traveler, who compares it with the others, and rejects those elements he finds not to this liking.” quote by Paul Bowles
Download Open image
““Another important difference between tourist and traveler is that the former accepts his own civilization without question; not so the traveler, who compares it with the others, and rejects those elements he finds not to this liking.””

Paul Bowles

About This Quote

Source Book: The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles, 1961

Travelers critically examine their own culture, unlike tourists who accept it unquestioningly.

In simple terms: Travelers question their own culture.

Key Takeaway

Question your assumptions.

Themes

culture travel critical thinking

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • cross‑cultural work
  • education
  • journalism

Key Concepts

anthropology self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your background shape your view?
  • What assumptions do you accept without question?
A Different Perspective

Tourists may miss deeper insights by not comparing cultures.

2.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Paul Bowles

Explore all 122 Paul Bowles quotes

More Travel quotes

Browse all 9,333 Travel quotes