Many small towns I know in Maine are as tight-knit and interdependent as those I associate with rural communities in India or China; with deep roots and old loyalties, skeptical of authority, they are proud and inflexibly territorial. Paul Theroux associateauthoritychina share on social
The people of Hong Kong are criticized for only being interested in business, but it's the only thing they've been allowed to do. Paul Theroux allowbusinesscriticize Change image and share on social
Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace. Paul Theroux gracehawaiimind Change image and share on social
There are two places that are hard to write about. A place like Britain, England in particular, which has been written about by everybody, and then the place that's never been written about. Paul Theroux britainenglandhard Change image and share on social
The amount of hassle involved in travel can be overwhelming. Paul Theroux amounthassleinvolve Change image and share on social
Extensive traveling induces a feeling of encapsulation, and travel, so broadening at first, contracts the mind. Paul Theroux broadencontractencapsulation Change image and share on social
People talk about the pain of writing, but very few people talk about the pleasure and satisfaction. Paul Theroux painpeoplepleasure Change image and share on social
Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going. Paul Theroux havetouristtraveler Change image and share on social
A novel captures essence that is not possible in any other form. Paul Theroux captureessenceform Change image and share on social
When I started writing, I did have some idealised notion of my dad as a writer. But I have less and less of a literary rivalry with him as I've gone on. I certainly don't feel I need his approval, although maybe that's because I'm confident that I've got it. Paul Theroux approvalconfidentdad share on social