One wants never to give up this crystalline perspective. One wants to keep counterpositioning home with what one knows of alternative realities, as they exist in Tunis or Hyderabad. One wants never to forget that nothing here is normal, that the streets are different in Wisebaden, and Louyang, that this is just one of many possible worlds.

Though it may feel otherwise, enjoying life is no more dangerous than apprehending it with continuous anxiety and gloom.

We accept the need to train extensively to fly a plane; but think instinct should be enough for marrying and raising kids.

When you look at the Moon, you think, ‘I’m really small. What are my problems?’ It sets things into perspective. We should all look at the Moon a bit more often.

The study of maps and the perusal of travel books aroused in me a secret fascination that was at times almost irresistible.

Pegging your contentment to the overall state of the world rather than of your own life: the basis of morality, or a sort of madness?

Instead of bringing back 1600 plants, we might return from our journeys with a collection of small unfêted but life-enhancing thoughts.