New Quotes Page Added To Real On The Road

“The brave succeed in all adventures, even those who come from countries far away.”

— The words of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Battle, to Odysseus, the wandering traveler trying to find his way home, in Homer’s classic, The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson

My favorite quotations from my five-plus years on the road are now part of my blog again.

Long-time followers may recall when this feature was part of previous versions of my blog.

However, I didn’t include them when I switched to my current blog format, Real On the Road, last summer.

But I found that I missed having my favorite quotations nearby and accessible, so I’ve brought them back back to their rightful place. There’s a link to them in the menu at the top of this page.

I edited the old list and removed some I felt were no longer relevant, but there are still nearly 150 of my favorite quotes for the road remaining on the list, which includes the newest, featured at the top of this post, taken from a classic work, Homer’s Odyssey.

The illustration is the cover of the book I’m currently reading, from which I took the quotation. It’s a beautiful translation with an informative and lengthy introduction.

I’m also starting a new feature on the home page, “Quote of the Month,” highlighting new quotes and old favorites at the top of the right column on the main blog page.

Why? I love quotations. They are synopses of thought, capsules of wisdom, humor and insight, brief moments of reading pleasure that can provoke, inspire, furrow a brow, produce an appreciative nod of the head, or a sour look. With just a few words, they can say so much.

Some are clear and plainly spoken; others run deeper and may spark a discussion about their meaning. I’ve tried to explain some of the more difficult ones from my perspective in comments accompanying them. You might have your own interpretation.

I love the new one above from The Odyssey because it’s told to one of the most celebrated travelers of all time. And though I hesitate to suggest that I identify with Odysseus in comparison to my travels, I will anyway.

Since I began my journey, I always considered myself a traveler seeking adventure. I haven’t encountered Cyclops, Sirens or angry Gods, but I decided early on that there wasn’t much use in traveling if I didn’t make it exciting. So I’ve had my share of harrowing experiences, narrow escapes, and exciting adventures. Was I brave? Well, I’ll just say I survived and I’m still traveling. I would call them my successes, and I came about my adventures in “countries far away;” so, yes, I’m even brave enough to express some kind of distant kinship with the magnificent Odysseus, who hears the kind and encouraging words of the beautiful Goddess Athena.

Of course, I’d love to hear any comments you might have on this or any other of the quotations I have posted now or any new ones I post from now on. Also if you have your own favorites I’d love to hear them. I might just poach them for my own page (with due credit, or course).

I hope you enjoy the new Real On The Road quotes page as much as I do!