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In the first parts of this section of the author states that the need to travel can be associated with the dissatisfaction of the current surrounding. He further states that the prospect of the traveler to the landscape of the destination may not necessarily concur with the actual area. According to de Botton, while the area may not fulfill the psychological healing properties envisioned, it may be best to immerse oneself in the landscape exempting other internal and external reasons (p.23). In other words, the landscape that the traveler imagined can easily disappoint on arrival. This detachment between imagination and reality is subjective to memory and personal opinion. The author indirectly states that changing locations cannot enchantingly expunge past apprehensions, but emotional baggage can be separated from the traveler. Overall, the manner by which we view a destination, the artist or the writer act as the influencers.

According to the author, the value of a destination for a journey is usually determined by others. Also, what appeals our attention is set by the cultural understanding of the traveler. Therefore, from this statement, it can be viable to state that sentimental and astounding experiences can be obtained from the most casual and insipid places. He further suggests that new eye-openers are done not inevitably accord to magnificent places. In the novel “Journeys are the midwives of thought. Few places are more conducive to internal conversations than a moving plane, ship or train.” (p. 57) Meditation is a key instrument that can be used to help travelers reach comprehension and ponder over stresses and thoughts. With this notion, a place has the capability of having a powerful effect on an individual even with lack of particular meaning (p. 60).

Motives

The real motivation for traveling is the amorousness of utterly foreign areas which are completely detached from the veracities of daily life (p.78). What as travelers we view as being tropical, is what stands in contrast to the events of normality. In other words, what is viewed as being exotic can be termed as being ordinary. For example, when traveling to different regions, the most ordinary things may seem most exciting because of the traveler’s unfamiliarity. de Botton then asks the question of why a simple front door in another country may seem so unique? He implies that as travelers we idealize the foreign realms ascribing them with specific values. What entices the traveler is the attraction and originality of the area.

Another motive for traveling is the unavoidable curiosity of humans. It is a trait that has allowed us to further our understanding of the world and broaden our experiences of different areas. In the novel, the author states that that ability of a traveler to relish and value an area is occasionally constrained by the notions of other people (p.112). In other words, de Botton suggests that instead of relying on guidebooks, as travelers, the natural state of curiosity should drive travelers. The nature of an area is not determined by the values of others but by what an individual imbues permeates (p.113). Meaning that the experience of a landscape is purely a personal experience thus identifying the value of individualized agendas. “When guidebooks praised a site, they pressured a visitor to match their authoritative enthusiasm, where they were silent, pleasure or interest seemed unwarranted” (p.113-114).

Landscape

When it comes to this segment, the author highlights the difference that exists between the countryside and the city and its environs. He implies in the novel that a change of scenery or environment can have noticeable shifts in the mental states of individuals. For example, the presence of a large open hill can portray a different sense to that of a crowded street. The latent curative power of nature is stressed in this segment. de Botton revels in the manner in which nature revitalizes the soul and spirit. He claims that the fragile nature of human beings is so malleable that it can be modeled to whoever or wherever we are (p.147). Nature has proven to have the capability to control individual emotion with its varying aspects.

Art

In this section, the author refers to the clarification and appreciation of the landscape from an artist’s perspective. The author states that the perception of a landscape can be shaped from pre-existing representations. He further approves that art in a unique aspect allows travelers to value the landscape, however, to a specific extent. By allowing travelers to closely view the surroundings many aspects of the landscape are easily overlooked (p.187). He refers to the power of art as being “eye-opening” by describing art as the gateway to acknowledging what it represents. Similarly, the description from the perspective of an artist is regarded as art. For example, his interpretation of Provence is colored by the illustrations of the scene in the paintings of Van Gogh. de Botton further states that the yearning to possess beauty is the main distraction to travelers’ actual familiarity with the object or landscape. For example, taking a picture of a palpable object is proof enough that the experience was actual, but according to de Botton, this urge for ownership of beauty is vain (p.225). The desire to possess beauty in accordance to de Botton is the main hinderance to our ability to enjoy the experience. However, in the novel he further acknowledges that it is valuable to view a landscape, sketch it, or even trace the contours of nature.

Return

This is the last part of the novel, where the author addresses what happens after the travel when individuals return to their daily routine and life. He ponders on the state of detachment which travelers find themselves in after returning from a place of excitement. He contends that this feeling is present as we return home with an attitude of already knowing everything that happens because of the apparent notion of acquaintance. Moreover, he suggests that the connection individuals have with their environment is deeply entwined with their respective attitude. The ability of finding new things in areas people are familiar with is easy, it requires a moderate change in attitude thus refreshing our visions. In the novel, he forced himself to a new mental state whereby he looked around his environment as if he had never been there before. And with that mental state he was able to identify new and exciting things he had previously ignored (p.251). As a closing statement, de Botton stated indirectly that the world is full of exotic places such as deserts and others. However, before embarking on a journey, every individual should take a moment and appreciate their respective landscapes first. A change in mental perspective can be a useful tool in applying this idea.

Reference

De Botton, A. (2008). The Art of Travel. New York: Vintage.