Father Quote by Paul Bowles
““He doesn't know what the world is like today." The thought that his own conception of the world was so different from his father's was like a protecting wall around his entire being. When his father went out into the street he had only the mosque, the Koran, the other old men in his mind. It was the immutable world of law, the written word, unchanging beneficence, but it was in some way wrinkled and dried up. Whereas when Amar stepped out the door there was the whole vast earth waiting, the live mysterious earth, that belonged to him in a way it could belong to no one else, and where anything at all might happen.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles, 1960
A young man discovers a world beyond his father's rigid, religious worldview, feeling both awe and freedom in the vast, unpredictable earth.
In simple terms: He sees a larger, living world unlike his father's fixed view.
Key Takeaway
Embrace new perspectives beyond inherited beliefs.
Themes
growth
freedom
identity
tradition
exploration
Mood
wonderful
reflective
Type
narrative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- travel
- personal growth
- cultural immersion
- spiritual awakening
Key Concepts
existentialism
cultural clash
self discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- How does expanding your worldview change your identity?
- What limits do inherited beliefs impose?
A Different Perspective
His father's worldview may still shape his choices despite new experiences.
