Seneca on travel and Bourdain

The Roman philosopher Seneca, in his letter On Travel as a Cure for Discontent, Seneca cautions his friend Lucilius against using travel to escape from his problems:

“Socrates made the same remark to one who complained; he said: ‘Why do you wonder that globe-trotting does not help you, seeing that you always take yourself with you? The reason which set you wandering is ever at your heels.’ What pleasure is there in seeing new lands? Or in surveying cities and spots of interest? All your bustle is useless. Do you ask why such flight does not help you? It is because you flee along with yourself. You must lay aside the burdens of the mind; until you do this, no place will satisfy you.”

R.I.P. Anthony Bourdain

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