Ella Maillart

Travel can also be the spirit of adventure somewhat tamed, for those who desire to do something they are a bit afraid of.

Shall we ever see the 10 million things of the universe simultaneously in order to be the all? I am convinced that to live is to travel towards the world's end.

Not only does travel give us a new system of reckoning, it also brings to the fore unknown aspects of our own self. Our consciousness being broadened and enriched, we shall judge ourselves more correctly.

You do not travel if you are afraid of the unknown, you travel for the unknown, that reveals you with yourself.

Certain travellers give the impression that they keep moving because only then do they feel fully alive.

I gained direct knowledge of the life of the poor in big towns: I have lived the narrowing mechanism of its conditioning and feared it.

One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.

Every time I took a long leave from home, I felt as if I were going to conquer the world. Or rather, take possession of what is my birthright, my inheritance.

The usual channels of university studies or secretarial work did not appeal to me. I cherished difficult dreams through confidence in myself.