"Extensive traveling induces a feeling of encapsulation, and travel, so broadening at first, contracts the mind"

This quote by Paul Theroux suggests that extensive travelling can have a paradoxical effect on the mind. At first, taking a trip can widen one's perspective and open up new possibilities. Nevertheless, after a particular point, the feeling of encapsulation can set in, and the mind can end up being more contracted. This encapsulation can be brought on by the feeling of being overwhelmed by the vastness of the world, or by the uniformity of travelling from location to place. It can also be caused by the feeling of being disconnected from one's home and familiar surroundings. This encapsulation can lead to a narrowing of the mind, as one's focus shifts from the broadness of the world to the smallness of one's own experience. Ultimately, this quote suggests that travelling can be both broadening and contracting, depending upon the individual's experience.