Robert Hughes: 'It was a secular cathedral, dedicated to the rites of travel.'

It was a secular cathedral, dedicated to the rites of travel.

The quote by Robert Hughes, "It was a secular cathedral, dedicated to the rites of travel," encapsulates the deep significance and allure of the act of travel. In straightforward terms, Hughes's quote implies that the act of embarking on a journey transcends its practical purpose and takes on a quasi-religious quality. Just as a cathedral serves as a sacred space for worship, a place where one finds solace and connection to something greater than themselves, travel too offers a spiritual experience that goes beyond simply moving from one place to another.By likening travel to a cathedral, Hughes introduces a thought-provoking concept that adds depth and intrigue to the quote. He suggests that there is a sacredness to the act of travel – one that allows individuals to embark on a personal pilgrimage, exploring not only the physical world but also their inner selves. In this way, travel becomes more than just a means of transportation; it becomes a transformative journey.To better understand the profoundness of this analogy, it is helpful to explore the contrasting philosophies of secularism and religion. Secularism, at its core, emphasizes the idea of the separation of church and state – the belief that matters of spirituality are personal and should not dictate public life. On the other hand, religion often offers a spiritual refuge, a path to introspection and connection with divine entities.So how do these contrasting themes come together in the context of travel? The notion of travel as a secular cathedral suggests that, through exploration and experiencing the world outside our own, we can find moments of introspection and connection that typically come from religious practices. In a secular cathedral, the rituals revolve around discovering new cultures, understanding diverse perspectives, and embracing the awe-inspiring wonders of the world. The act of travel becomes a form of pilgrimage, where individuals seek enlightenment, revelation, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world they inhabit.In a secular cathedral, the rites of travel become the rituals that enrich our lives and, in a broader sense, our souls. We step away from the routines and constraints of our everyday lives, allowing ourselves to be immersed in unfamiliar environments, cultures, and languages. Through the act of travel, we can gain a fresh perspective on our own existence, redefining our values, beliefs, and priorities.Furthermore, just as a cathedral offers a space for communal gathering and shared experiences through religious ceremonies, travel too connects us with fellow explorers from different walks of life. When we encounter others on our journey, whether they are fellow travelers or locals, we are offered an opportunity to extend our understanding of humanity, fostering empathy, and embracing the diversity that enriches the world.In conclusion, Robert Hughes's quote serves as a beautifully evocative expression that conveys the significance of travel as a transformative experience. By likening travel to a secular cathedral dedicated to the rites of travel, Hughes not only emphasizes the exploration of physical spaces but also ignites the exploration of our inner selves. Travel becomes a modern-day pilgrimage, enabling us to transcend the mundane and embark on a spiritual quest of self-discovery, understanding, and connection. It is within the secular cathedral of travel that we find solace, inspiration, and moments of revelation that broaden our horizons and enrich our lives.