“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 Lu mber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

Paul Theroux on reading, teaching, and slow travel in Mexico [encore]

Deviate

Paul Theroux on reading, teaching, and slow travel in Mexico [encore]