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> change their entire world view Kind of a tangent, but this is a more nuanced topic than people usually imagine, and not necessarily always a good thing. Wid
by photonthug 2y ago
> change their entire world view
Kind of a tangent, but this is a more nuanced topic than people usually imagine, and not necessarily always a good thing. Widening your perspective sounds great, and often it is, but it also tends to isolate you from other people in ways that can't be undone.
You won't get this effect from being a tourist abroad a few times a year, but it's something that comes with territory after you've traveled extensively, kind of a more literal version of the "you can't go home again" proverb. I expect lots of digital nomads are probably familiar with this, but it's not something they talk about.
Life is a process of stacking up experiences that others are increasingly unlikely to be able relate to. But someone who leaves a small rural community for college in the big city is losing a large number of people who can relate to them, and gaining a new community of people that can. Same story for most radical perspective-widening experiences, like how soldiers may struggle with aspects of civilian life, but at least can enjoy new solidarity/understanding with their brothers in arms. Usually with these things, one door opens and another closes.
The situation is very different for some types of expat or diaspora populations, or just your dedicated wanderer. Those who are earnestly involved or experienced in multiple cultures may find that they can relate to everyone, but never feel understood themselves.
- lores 2y agoThat is a very insightful comment, thanks.
- BehindBlueEyes 2y agoAs someone who moved a lot growing up and for my career, not being in one place long enough to really bond with people may be the cause of feeling isolated/not understood, maybe even more so than having more experience with different places and cultures...