Paul Theroux on the merits of travel and the paradoxes of the global economy

Deviate with Rolf Potts

“When you travel, you find out what it is you really want. You find out what you’re capable of, what your ambitions are.” –Paul Theroux

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Paul talk about how brotherly conflict is a time-honored trope in literature, and how travel can be a way to find your interests and ambitions in life (3:00); the ethical paradoxes and hypocrisies of global charities and industries in a resource-rich place like Africa (9:30); how writing fiction differs from writing nonfiction (19:00); and where Theroux is headed next (22:00).

Paul Theroux (@PaulTheroux_) is a pioneer of travel writing and author of many highly acclaimed books, including The Great Railway Bazaar, The Tao of Travel, and On the Plain of Snakes. His newest novel is The Bad Angel Brothers.

Notable Links:

• The Vagabond’s Way, by Rolf Potts (travel book)
• Paul Theroux on the art of listening (Deviate episode)
• Paul Theroux on the inherent complexity of Mexico (Deviate episode)
• The Great Railway Bazaar, by Paul Theroux (travel book)
• Figures in a Landscape, by Paul Theroux (essay collection)
• Cain and Abel (Biblical brothers)
• East of Eden, by John Steinbeck (novel)
• Cobalt mining in Africa
• Tim Cook (CEO of Apple, Inc.)
• Big-box store (large-scale retail system)
• Chinese industry in Africa
• NAFTA (free-trade agreement)
• Malawi (country in southeastern Africa)
• Phil Knight (CEO of Nike)
• Dark Star Safari, by Paul Theroux (travel book)
• PrairyErth, by William Least Heat-Moon (book)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

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