“One of my luckiest instincts lay in being able to tell when I was happy— at the time, not afterwards. Most people don’t realize until long afterwards that they have passed through a period of happiness. Their enjoyment takes the form of reminiscence, and it is always tinged with regret that they had not known at the time how happy they were. But I knew, and my memory (of bad times too) was detailed and intense.”

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About Paul Theroux

American travel writer and novelist of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Theroux is best known for his vivid, immersive accounts of global journeys and his sharp observations on culture, politics, and human experience. His works span fiction and nonfiction, blending memoir, satire, and ethnographic insight.

More from Paul Theroux (158 quotes) →
"One of my luckiest instincts lay in being able to tell when I was hap…" — Paul Theroux | Daily Quotes