As far as Samson was concerned I was just another foreigner in pursuit of a lunatic quest.

— Tahir Shah

As I see the world, there's one element that's even more corrosive than missionaries: tourists. It's not that I feel above them in any way, but that the very places they patronize are destroyed by their affection.

— Tahir Shah

As the head of an expedition, you can't pussyfoot around being polite to everyone. You have to show your teeth once in a while; a little growling goes a long way.

— Tahir Shah

As the man was bundled into an armored police van, he turned and shouted: ‘Don’t waste your life following others! Be individual! Live your dreams!’ I stood there thinking. He was right. Ours is a society of followers, trapped by an island mentality.

— Tahir Shah

At the dealership, I pulled out the sieve and toyed with it threateningly. When the salesman was ready for me, I held it up, told him I was not a tourist and demanded a large discount.

— Tahir Shah

At the last moment, the fish and I exchange a troubled glance. The Muriel seems to be demanding an explanation. Alas, I am in no position to start justifying the unusual treatment. What comes next is a new experience for both the fish and me.

— Tahir Shah

Back at the Château Windsor there was a rat-like scratching at the door of my room. Vinod, the youngest servant, came in with a soda water. He placed it next to the bag of toffees. Then he watched me read. I was used to being observed reading. Sometimes the room would fill like a railway station at rush hour and I would be expected to cure widespread boredom.

— Tahir Shah

Back at the guest house I tried to acclimatize. A travel-worn adventurer had once told me that leaning with one's head dangling over the end of a bed was the best way to achieve this. It was while I was in this position, the blood rushing to my temples, that the door swung open.

— Tahir Shah

Because there is no challenge, there is no reason to work hard. And with no reason to work hard, we all have become lazy. Lazy people are like cancer. They spread. Before you know it, the entire country is destroyed.

— Tahir Shah

Believe, and what was impossible becomes possible what at first was hidden becomes visible.

— Tahir Shah