Travelling is now rightly considered as an indispensable part of education. The knowledge gathered from books is of a somewhat theoretical character and in order to make it really useful, we must supplement it by varied experience of the practical side of life and nature. Even if looked at from a totally different point of view, it is a fact that none but wanderers can thoroughly enjoy home. Travel and home are like exertion and rest, each complement the other, so that, though it may appear paradoxical, one of the greatest pleasures of travel is the return. On the other hand, home-abiding men are like toads in a well. They have few higher aspirations of any kind and have contempt for all reforms and innovations. Their mental horizon is so narrowed that while they see nothing good or imitable in the world abroad, they have an inordinate pride of vanity regarding the absolute perfection of their own land. This retards their material and moral progress. Blind patriotism is unfavourable alike to individual and national growth.
Vocabulary
Gathered—obtained
Wanderers—vagabonds
