Instrumentalism Quote by Paul Theroux
““He used the word savages with affection, as if he liked them a little for it. In his nature was a respect for wildness. He saw it as a personal challenge, something that could be put right with an idea or a machine. He felt he had the answer to most problems, if anyone cared to listen.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Railway Bazaar, Paul Theroux, 1975
The narrator admires "savages" for their wildness, seeing them as a challenge to be understood or mastered through ideas or technology.
In simple terms: He respects wildness and seeks to solve it with intellect.
Key Takeaway
Respect wildness, apply creative solutions.
Themes
culture
wildness
respect
challenge
technology
Mood
curious
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- travel
- cross‑cultural encounters
- technology development
- environmental management
Key Concepts
anthropology
philosophy
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does "wildness" mean to you?
- How can we honor other cultures without imposing our ideas?
A Different Perspective
Romanticizing "savages" can overlook their agency and dignity.
