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 Ive gone on. I certainly dont feel I need his approval, although maybe thats because Im confident that Ive got it. – Paul Theroux
Tourists dont know where theyve been, travelers dont know where theyre going. – Paul Theroux
The Peace Corps is a sort of Howard Johnsons on the main drag into maturity. – Paul Theroux
You define a good flight by negatives: you didnt get hijacked, you didnt crash, you didnt throw up, you werent late, you werent nauseated by the food. So you are grateful. – Paul Theroux
Most sailing ships take what they call trainees, who pay to be part of the crew. The Picton Castle takes people who are absolutely raw recruits. But you cant just ride along. Youre learning to steer the ship, navigation youre pulling lines, keeping a lookout in the galley youre cooking. – Billy Campbell