Deviate Paul Theroux on reading, teaching, and slow travel in Mexico [encore]
“We don’t have a lot of time on this earth. When you get to my age you’ve got to use it wisely. The thing I object to most is people wasting my time.” – Paul Theroux
In this episode of Deviate, Paul Theroux and Rolf discuss their travels through Mexico and magical realism (4:30); teaching as a way to get to know a country and the importance of reading (20:00); and Paul’s experience traveling along the US-Mexico border and geo-political complexities between the two countries (29:00).
Paul Theroux (@PaulTheroux_) is a pioneer of travel writing and author of many highly acclaimed books, including The Great Railway Bazaar, The Tao of Travel, and On the Plain of Snakes.
Notable Links:
- Sinclair Lewis (writer)
- William Faulkner (writer)
- Jorge Luis Borges (writer)
- Gabriel García Márquez (writer)
- Magical Realism (style of fiction)
- James Joyce (writer)
- Aldous Huxley (writer)
- Jack Kerouac (writer)
- Rebecca West (writer)
- Harriet Doer (writer)
- Leonora Carrington (artist)
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, by B. Traven (novel)
- Nathaniel Philbrick (author)
- Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville (book)
- Subcomandante Marcos (revolutionary)
- Zapatista Army of National Liberation (militant group)
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.