"The wideness of the horizon has to be inside us, cannot be anywhere but inside us, otherwise what we speak about is geographic distances"

Ella Maillart's quote speaks with the depth and breadth of human perspective and internal expedition rather than mere physical travel or geographical awareness. The "wideness of the horizon" acts as a metaphor for an extensive state of mind, an internal landscape that allows for greater understanding, openness, and the accepting of new ideas and experiences. This internal horizon shows a capability for self-reflection and individual growth that transcends the constraints of physical area.

By asserting that the horizon "has to be inside us", Maillart emphasizes the importance of cultivating an internal sense of experience and interest. It suggests that real expedition isn't restricted to the external world, but rather is a journey within ourselves. It's an invitation to engage with our inner ideas, beliefs, and potential, in order to cultivate a rich inner life that permits us to view the world in more comprehensive and more significant ways.

Maillart contrasts this with speaking about "geographic ranges", implying that focusing exclusively on physical travel without inner reflection might do not have depth or substance. The act of geographical traveling itself is not adequate for true growth of the mind and spirit. Instead, there requires to be a matching internal journey, an opening up of one's heart and mind, so that the encounters and experiences from physical travel can deepen one's understanding and enrich one's soul.

In this light, Maillart's quote encourages us to cultivate an inner world that mirrors the vastness and diversity of the external world. It is a call to accept a mindset that allows us to genuinely see and understand beyond the immediate, the tangible, and the obvious. This internal horizon ends up being a source of knowledge and insight, shaping how we engage with the world and individuals within it. Through this lens, personal and spiritual growth becomes the true step of the ranges we traverse in life.