Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom...is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go. -Anthony Bourdain
Anthony BourdainRead
I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace spontaneity and be open to unexpected experiences during your travels.
In this quote, Anthony Bourdain emphasizes the importance of being flexible and open-minded when exploring new places. He suggests that by allowing for spontaneity and the possibility of 'happy accidents,' travelers can enrich their experiences far beyond what rigidly planned itineraries can offer. The essence of travel, he argues, lies in the willingness to encounter the unexpected, which often leads to memorable adventures.
Themes
TravelSpontaneityExperienceItineraryAdventure
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a travel seminar to encourage participants to embrace unexpected experiences.
More from Anthony Bourdain
All quotes →My brain and body and nervous system, they see a plane ride, a long plane trip, as an opportunity to sleep with nothing coming in, nothing to do. I just go offline the minute I'm on the plane.
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I'm very proud of the Rome episode of 'No Reservations' because it violated all the conventional wisdom about making television. You're never, ever supposed to do a food or travel show in black and white.
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The notion that before you even set out to go to Thailand, you say, 'I'm not interested,' or you're unwilling to try things that people take so personally and are so proud of and so generous with, I don't understand that, and I think it's rude. You're at Grandma's house, you eat what Grandma serves you.
Anthony BourdainRead
If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.
Anthony BourdainRead
I feel that if Jacques Pepin shows you how to make an omelet, the matter is pretty much settled. That's God talking.
Anthony BourdainRead
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