The New Yorker Essay Questions Travel's Transformative Power, Sparks Widespread Debate

An essay published by The New Yorker has ignited considerable discussion by challenging the widely held perception of travel as a personal achievement. The article, penned by philosopher Agnes Callard, critically examines whether visiting interesting places and having novel experiences truly transforms individuals into "interesting people," as suggested in a recent social media post by The New Yorker. Callard's piece, titled "The Case Against Travel," debuted in June 2023, prompting varied reactions across social media and news outlets.

Callard's central argument posits that travel, particularly modern tourism, often results in "unchanging change," where individuals return largely the same despite their journeys. She illustrates this by recalling a visit to a falcon hospital in Abu Dhabi, an activity she undertook despite having no genuine interest in falconry, simply because it was "what one does" there. According to Callard, this locomotive character of tourism means travelers are often "not even trying to learn" and merely "suspend your usual standards for what counts as a valuable use of time."

The philosopher draws upon historical figures like Fernando Pessoa, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and G. K. Chesterton, who also expressed skepticism about the inherent value of travel. Pessoa, for instance, described travel as being "for those who cannot feel," while Emerson critiqued the pursuit of sights without genuine engagement. Callard concludes that the "single most important fact about tourism is this: we already know what we will be like when we return," likening travel to a "boomerang" that drops one right where they started.

The essay quickly went viral, eliciting strong responses from readers. Many critics labeled Callard's perspective as "elitist" or "bleak," arguing that travel undeniably broadens horizons and fosters understanding. Conversely, some readers agreed with Callard, suggesting that her piece highlights a superficial aspect of contemporary travel and encourages introspection over mere locomotion.

Following the widespread debate, Callard offered a clarification on social media, conceding that her claims might apply more accurately to "older travelers" who assert "I love to travel," rather than to younger individuals for whom travel could indeed be more transformative. The New Yorker article continues to serve as a focal point for discussions on the true impact and meaning of global exploration in the modern era.