WHY WE TRAVEL? - PICO IYER

WHY WE TRAVEL? - PICO IYER

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1. In essence, why do we travel according to the author?

We travel to lose ourselves and to find ourselves, to open our hearts and eyes, to learn more about the world, to experience hardship, and to see the world clearly while feeling it truly.

2. What is the connection between travel and travail according to the essay?

The connection is that travel involves hardship, which leads to personal growth and a better understanding of the world. The difficulty of travel is proportional to the blessings it brings, and travel guides us toward a balance of wisdom and compassion.

3. How does leaving our beliefs and certainties help us?

eaving our beliefs and certainties allows us to see everything we thought we knew in a different light, from a new perspective. It helps us understand the provisional and provincial nature of our assumptions, making us more open-minded and adaptable.

4. Give an example mentioned in the essay about how travel turns everything you took for granted upon its head?

An example given is the experience of visiting a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Beijing or watching a scratchy revival showing of "Wild Orchids" on the Champs-Elysees, highlighting how familiar things can seem novel and revelatory in different contexts.

5. How does travel set one free, according to the author?

Travel sets one free by providing anonymity, freeing us from our usual identities and social standings. This allows us to come into contact with more essential parts of ourselves and to live more simply and spontaneously.

6. Why can't anyone fix the author in a resume?

Because the author, as a transnational individual, does not fit neatly into any single national or cultural identity. This ambiguity allows him to remake himself and be seen differently by others, without being confined to a single label or category.

7. Why do transnationals adapt easily anywhere?

Transnationals adapt easily anywhere because they are used to being outsiders, which forces them to create their own sense of home and develop a flexible, adaptable mindset.

8. Travel results in

a) Dimming of mind

b) Makes us closed minded

c) Heightens the sense of awareness

c) Heightens the sense of awareness

1. Explain why the author comments that the tourist and the traveler are the same?

The author suggests that the distinction between a tourist and a traveler may not be as significant as it is often portrayed. Both tourists and travelers can have similar experiences and responses to the places they visit. The key difference lies in their mindset: tourists often complain when things are not like home, while travelers may grumble when things are too similar to other places they've visited. Ultimately, the real distinction lies in whether individuals leave their assumptions and expectations behind. Those who do not are more likely to see differences superficially, while those who do approach their travels with open-mindedness and a readiness to see the world from new perspectives. This perspective challenges the conventional wisdom that categorizes tourists and travelers as fundamentally different and instead emphasizes their common potential for growth and learning.

2. What makes the author look at everything from a crooked angle?

The author looks at everything from a crooked angle by deliberately shedding his preconceived notions and beliefs when he travels. This act of leaving behind his certainties allows him to see familiar things in unfamiliar ways and to appreciate the novelty in seemingly ordinary experiences. For instance, encountering a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Beijing or watching an old film on the Champs-Elysees becomes an opportunity to see cultural differences and similarities in a new light. This shift in perspective helps the author to understand the provisional nature of what he once considered universal truths. By embracing this crooked angle, he gains a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the world and his place within it.

3. How does travel liberate one from inessential labels?

Travel liberates one from inessential labels by providing an opportunity to step outside of the usual social, cultural, and professional identities that define us. When traveling, we are often seen as strangers or outsiders, which means people cannot easily categorize us based on our usual roles or statuses. This anonymity allows us to interact with others more freely and to explore parts of ourselves that might be overshadowed by the labels we carry at home. As a result, we can connect with more fundamental aspects of our identity, discovering new interests, behaviors, and ways of being that are not tied to our everyday life. This liberation from labels can lead to a sense of renewal and self-discovery, as we are no longer constrained by the expectations and assumptions that come with our familiar identities.

4. How does travel expose us to the harsh realities of the world according to the author?

Travel exposes us to the harsh realities of the world by putting us in direct contact with different forms of hardship and adversity that we might not encounter in our daily lives. The author believes that seeking out these challenges is an essential part of travel, as it allows us to experience and understand the difficulties faced by others. This exposure helps us develop a balance of wisdom and compassion, as we learn to see the world clearly and feel its realities deeply. By confronting these harsh realities, we become more aware of the complexities of life and the disparities that exist between different cultures and societies. This understanding fosters a greater sense of empathy and a more informed perspective on global issues.

5. Explain how travel to his own neighborhood helped the author enrich his perspective about the society?

The author explains that even travel within one's own neighborhood can offer profound insights into society by exposing us to the diversity and complexity of our immediate surroundings. By taking a few blocks' walk in a multicultural area like Queens or Berkeley, one can encounter a variety of cultures and experiences in a short span of time. This local travel helps the author appreciate the richness of cultural diversity and the ways in which different communities coexist and interact. It also highlights the idea that travel is not just about distant destinations but about the mindset of openness and curiosity that can be applied to exploring familiar places. This approach helps the author see his own community with fresh eyes, recognizing the intricate social fabric and the global influences that shape it. By doing so, he gains a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the world and the importance of appreciating and learning from the diversity within our own neighborhoods.

1. By travelling, you'll not only understand yourself better, you'll understand other people better as well. Discuss this statement in the context of the essay.

Self-Understanding:

Loss and Discovery: Travel allows individuals to lose themselves and find themselves, shedding everyday routines and discovering new aspects of their personality.

Reflection: In new environments, people reflect on their own beliefs and certainties, gaining insights into their true nature.

Hardship and Growth: Facing and overcoming hardships during travel leads to personal growth and self-awareness.

Understanding Others:

Cultural Immersion: Experiencing different cultures firsthand broadens one's understanding of diverse perspectives and ways of life.

Empathy and Compassion: Witnessing the difficulties and lifestyles of others fosters empathy and compassion.

Breaking Stereotypes: Exposure to various cultures challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes, leading to a more nuanced view of humanity.

Combined Understanding:

Provisional Universality: Travel teaches that many things considered universal are actually provisional and culturally specific.

Shared Humanity: Despite cultural differences, travelers often discover commonalities with people around the world, deepening their appreciation for shared human experiences.

2. Travel sets us into adventure versus the monotony of our lives. How does Pico Iyer's essay explain this?

Breaking Routine:

Anonymity and Freedom: Travel frees individuals from the constraints of their social roles, allowing them to act spontaneously and follow their impulses.

Novelty and Excitement: Encountering new and unfamiliar situations breaks the monotony of daily life, providing excitement and a sense of adventure.

New Perspectives:

Crooked Angle: Travel encourages seeing familiar things in new ways, from different angles, and through the lens of different cultures.

Cultural Relativism: It exposes travelers to different customs, beliefs, and lifestyles, challenging their assumptions and expanding their worldview.

Experiential Learning:

Hardship and Resilience: The difficulties and challenges faced during travel lead to personal growth and resilience.

Mindfulness and Awareness: Travel heightens awareness, making individuals more mindful and receptive to their surroundings and experiences.