Saint Augustine – Travel Quote of the Week

Quick Summary 

In this article, you will learn about Saint Augustine’s travel quote, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page,” and explore its true meaning. Though often misattributed to Augustine, this quote emphasizes the importance of experiencing the world firsthand to gain a deeper understanding. You’ll also reflect on how modern technology, while offering virtual travel experiences, can never replace the real-world sensations and insights gained from actual travel.

The Importance of Traveling Beyond the Screen

Saint Augustine [354-430] was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced both the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. He was bishop of Hippo, a Roman city in modern-day Algeria. His most famous works are The City of God and Confessions.

This week’s travel quote—“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page”—is often attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo. Yet after doing some research, it appears that Saint Augustine never said anything quite like this. Rather, the closest he got was in praising the “book of the world”, a metaphorical description of nature, the study of which he saw as important in trying to understand God.

Nonetheless, this misquote has taken a life of it’s own, appearing in countless books on travel and many a Pinterest boards. And I think the idea it professes is worth discussing in and of itself.

The idea that one needs to explore the world to understand it is nothing new, dating back at least to the Ancient Greeks. Yet I think the concept has taken on new importance in our modern age, where you can virtually travel almost anywhere thanks to technology.

It’s tempting to just lay on the couch—60 inch flatscreen TV in front of you—living vicariously through the Travel Channel or Nat Geo. After all, real travel can be hard. It requires time, patience, money, and—occasionally—the use of your legs.

But YouTube videos (no matter how good they are) or TV specials cannot replicate what it’s like to physically be somewhere. You can’t smell the eclectic scents of Marrakech’s spice market or feel the sand between your toes from a beach in Costa Rica.

Unfortunately, getting out of bed, much less traveling somewhere, can be hard. Despite my love for travel, I’ve been tempted to stay rather than leave before. I’ve created bullshit excuses in my mind and temporarily convinced myself it wasn’t the right time to go. On one occasion I skipped out on a free trip to Greece because I wanted to watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Ouch!

I urge you not to be like me. Don’t miss out on seeing the world because you’re stuck in front of the TV—even if it’s 4K.

I publish a new travel quote ever week, right here. Do you have a particular one you’d like us to feature in the future? What do you think about this quotation? Let us know in the comments below! 

About the Author

Andrew Scott is the founder of Authentic Traveling and a travel educator who has traveled to over 30 countries. He believes in helping individuals discover deeper, more intentional journeys, with a focus on mental preparedness and purpose-driven travel.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is it important to travel the world rather than just watching travel documentaries?

 Traveling the world allows you to engage with the sights, sounds, and smells of different cultures, something that virtual experiences cannot replicate. While documentaries can inspire, only by physically experiencing a place can you fully understand its essence. The connection you make with a destination is far deeper when you are there in person, helping you gain a more personal and authentic perspective.

How can I motivate myself to travel more?

The key to motivation is often overcoming self-doubt and fear. Rather than overthinking, start small by planning a short trip to a nearby destination. Set goals for yourself, such as visiting new places or learning a new skill while traveling. You will find that the joy and personal growth from traveling will make it easier to make travel a regular part of your life.

What are some benefits of physical travel over virtual experiences?

 Physical travel allows you to step outside your comfort zone, build memories with real interactions, and engage in experiences that develop your understanding of different cultures. These benefits cannot be replicated by watching a video or browsing through online photos. Traveling brings a sense of adventure, excitement, and connection to the world that virtual experiences simply cannot replace.