My good sister filled the title page of a book she gave to me with this quote by Mark Twain...
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
I got into a conversation with a friend about whether it's okay to be intolerant towards people's willingness to stay put. I don't know if it has to to with having the mountains to the north, a border south, an ocean west and desert to the east, but from the outside, I notice Southern California is a difficult place to get out of for most. I would say that gaining multiple perspectives on something is the only way to see something for what it truly is, whether its the world, different cultures, humanity as a whole, or the place you grew up or what you believe in. I'm fully aware this is a mighty convenient perspective to have given my current situation.
1 comment:
"I would say that gaining multiple perspectives on something is the only way to see something for what it truly is, whether its the world, different cultures, humanity as a whole, or the place you grew up or what you believe in."
So true. I think it is more about completely getting out of your comfort zone than traveling, but the two often do go hand in hand. I think it is difficult to get out of one's comfort zone if change means just spending time in the same type of place with the same type of people, just in a different location. At least for me, through travel is where I have been the most stretched by seeing things like the poverty and faith of others throughout the world. In addition, seeing the impact of Western consumerism and materialism has challenged me a lot. Many things I have are at the expense of others, and that motivates me to have a simpler lifestyle. I also realize that I am able to travel and experience such things because I come from a position of privilege in society that others do not. I often feel guilty for that, but better than guilt is to realize that with privilege comes responsibility- responsibility to live in a way that does not perpetuate injustice and meaningless materialism. Seemingly impossible? Yes. Worth a try? I think so.
What do you think? Once again, a post I hope others comment on. We'll see...
Sorry for the rambling comment- I tend to do that.
Love you and your deep thoughts.
P.S. I am listening to Lisa Hannigan right now... good tunes. :)
-The good sister :)
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