He was a man of the very broadest outlook, but he never believed in going anywhere. He had a very sensitive stomach, you know, and that is always a disincentive to travel. If you have a sensitive stomach, it is undoubtedly best to remain at home.
In "The Department of Sensitive Crimes," author Alexander McCall Smith presents a character with a wide-ranging perspective on life, yet he harbors a strong aversion to travel. This dichotomy highlights a personality that is open to the world, yet constrained by personal limitations. His reluctance to explore stems from his sensitivity to the physical discomforts that traveling might induce.
The character’s sensitive stomach serves as a metaphor for the challenges of stepping outside one's comfort zone. While his broad outlook suggests curiosity and a desire for understanding, the practical reality of his condition keeps him grounded at home. This interplay between aspirations and limitations encapsulates a common human experience of wanting to venture out while being held back by personal circumstances.
