In Sinclair Lewis's "Dodsworth," the protagonist reflects on the idea that despite traveling to new places, his true self travels with him. This self, which he knows well and appreciates, inevitably impacts his experiences, casting a shadow over the potential joy of discovering new environments. He acknowledges the self he has shaped and nurtured, suggesting that it can adapt and learn, yet he questions whether this familiar self can truly grow in a foreign setting that feels cold and unwelcoming.

The protagonist finds himself contemplating whether the unfamiliarity of his new surroundings will stifle his personal growth compared to the comfort of his previous life in Zenith. He considers the contrast between the thrill of exploration and the limitations imposed by his own psyche. This internal struggle highlights the tension between seeking new experiences and the roots of his identity, ultimately questioning if true enlightenment can be achieved away from the familiarity of home.