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. – Ella Maillart
One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm. – Ella Maillart
The usual channels of university studies or secretarial work did not appeal to me. I cherished difficult dreams through confidence in myself. – Ella Maillart
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. – Ella Maillart