In "The Sheltering Sky," Paul Bowles expresses a bleak perspective on global culture and identity. He suggests that as people across different nations become more alike, they lose their unique characteristics and cultural richness. This homogenization leads to a lack of individuality, beauty, and meaningful ideals, resulting in a world that feels increasingly dull and uninspired.
Bowles portrays a grim vision where the distinctiveness of cultures fades into a uniform grayness. This loss of diversity creates a sense of emptiness, as societies abandon their unique traits in favor of a monotonous sameness. Ultimately, the quote underscores a profound concern about the erosion of character and culture in an increasingly interconnected world.