When you travel like I did, vague about destination and with an open-ended itinerary, a holy-seeming openness takes over your character. It's the reason the first philosophers were peripatetic.
The author reflects on the transformative experience of traveling without a fixed destination or schedule, suggesting that such an open approach to journeying cultivates a sense of freedom and exploration within oneself. This kind of journey allows for a deep connection with the world and promotes personal growth, echoing the ways of early philosophers who embraced wandering as a means to gain wisdom.
Eugenides highlights that this openness can change one's perspective, leading to new insights and an enriched understanding of life. Traveling aimlessly can inspire creativity and philosophical thoughts, making it a profound experience that influences one’s character and outlook on the world.
