In "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," Bill Bryson discusses how anecdotes regarding toilet habits often highlight cultural differences. He emphasizes that these stories typically involve individuals from one country expressing shock or disbelief at the sanitary practices of people from another country.

This recurring theme showcases the diverse approaches to hygiene and sanitation across cultures, underscoring how personal experiences can vary vastly depending on geographic and social contexts. Bryson's observation invites reflection on how deeply ingrained customs influence perceptions of propriety and personal habits globally.