"But my estimates, for instance, based upon book information, were simply ridiculous, fanciful images of African attractions were soon dissipated, anticipated pleasures vanished, and all crude ideas began to resolve themselves into shape"

Henry Morton Stanley's quote shows his experience of taking a trip to Africa. He had actually formed expectations of the continent based on books he had actually read, but these expectations were quickly dispelled when he showed up. He discovered that his price quotes were "just outrageous" and that his "fanciful images" of African attractions were not precise. His prepared for satisfaction vanished as he realised that his expectations were far from truth. His "crude ideas" of Africa were replaced with a more reasonable understanding of the continent. Stanley's quote highlights the value of experiencing a place for oneself, instead of counting on pre-owned information. It also works as a tip that our expectations of a location may not always match the truth.