Cost of living Quote by Paul Theroux
““..luxury is the enemy of observation, a costly indulgence that induces such a good feeling that you notice nothing. Luxury spoils and infantilizes you and prevents you from knowing the world. That is its purpose, the reason why luxury cruises and great hotels are full of fatheads who, when they express an opinion, seem as though they are from another planet. It was also my experience that one of the worst aspects of travelling with wealthy people, apart from the fact that the rich never listen, is that they constantly groused about the high cost of living – indeed, the rich usually complained of being poor.””
About This Quote
Source Travelogue: The Great Railway Bazaar (1975)
Luxury distracts from genuine observation, making the wealthy oblivious and self‑absorbed.
In simple terms: Luxury blinds people to reality.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic experiences over material comfort.
Themes
luxury
observation
wealth
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- vacation planning
- social interactions
- media consumption
Key Concepts
social critique
psychology of consumption
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice how comfort affects your awareness?
- Can luxury ever enhance insight?
A Different Perspective
Luxury can also provide comfort and safety.
