The most important life lessons learned from an eight year journey around the world

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Today we want to share with you the life wisdom of Benny Lewis - an amazing and extraordinary person who spent more than eight years of his life traveling the world. Benny learned many foreign languages, made friends in different parts of the Earth and, based on his entire journey, made conclusions that will help anyone better understand themselves, the world around them and other people.

Eight years. That's 416 weeks, or nearly 3,000 days.

This is the time during which I did not have one definite place of residence. Moving to different countries, getting to know new cultures and languages every few months, I always took all my things with me.

I had traveled a little before: I spent a couple of years in a row summer vacations in the States and once lived for a month in Spain. Coming back to this time, I would like to mention that in 2003, a few days before my 21st birthday, I left Ireland.

I graduated from university a few days before and decided that I would only come home as a guest (in all my years of traveling, I have never missed a family Christmas dinner). From now on it became like this:

My home is where I put my hat.

At school and university, I was a diligent student, I read many books, but, as it turned out, the knowledge I gained did not have a real life basis - experience and practice. Of course, now I have made up for this lack and I know that there is still a lot that I should learn, what is worth learning about.

People often ask me how I could afford to travel for so long. They ask if I am rich or if my parents paid for my expenses. I paid for all the trips myself without any savings.

For my many years of travel, I needed much less money than people who have lived in the same place for years, spending large sums to buy all kinds of junk. …

If you want to know more about me, my history, as well as the work that I did while traveling, then I invite you to. In the last year, I've made money by helping people. I also wrote in which I tried to answer the most common questions regarding long-term travel.

Yesterday I turned 29 years old, and this week the "birthday" of my long journey - he turns eight years old. Therefore, I decided to share with you 29 life lessons and revelations that I have learned over the years of travel. It may seem that these are abstract observations about life in general, but in fact they were made by me in the process of meeting with people around the world.

1. Everyone basically wants the same thing

World cultures differ from each other, but once you can talk to Italian millionaires, homeless Brazilians, Dutch fishermen and Filipino programmers in their own language, you will realize that we are all incredibly similar and basically want the same thing.

Everyone wants love, security, enjoyment of life, and hope for a better future. We all have similar desires, dreams and fears. Once you drop everything superficial that separates people and separates them from each other, you can find an approach to any person.

2. It is bad to postpone your happiness for the future

Too many people think that when they get something that they have been striving for for many years, they will immediately be happy.

That's bullshit.

When you receive this long-awaited something, you will certainly notice that something else is missing in your life. I do not believe that "happiness for life" can come from one particular thing or any achievement - this is a naive dream. But we can learn to be content with what we have, to live in the present, not in the future, and rejoice in every victory, every improvement, every positive change.

If your whole life is a pursuit of one big goal, then later, even if you achieve it, you will be disappointed.

Make your dreams come true, achieve your goals, but in no case put off your happiness until later.

Do not view the process of achieving your goal as torture that will definitely lead you to happiness. Enjoy the process, even if it takes you longer to reach your goal. This idea is perfectly illustrated by this video.

Enjoy the show and don't wait for the ending.

3. You will never win the lottery - be more practical

… They believe that phrases like “I deserve it” will certainly guarantee that everything will go as they intended. Some generally sit and wait for the weather by the sea, hoping that some higher powers will send them good luck and happiness.

Today you will definitely win the lottery, or tomorrow a prince on a white horse will come to you and give you half a kingdom. You keep repeating to yourself, "Well, I deserve it," while forgetting to ask yourself: don't others deserve it?

These are all meaningless hopes. Although, perhaps, I can be wrong and sincerely hoping and striving to be a good person will one day get his "deserved" happiness. But even if this is so, why shouldn't most people finally stop just indulging in hopes and start doing at least something in order to become successful and happy?

“Someday a gingerbread truck will turn over on my street too” is bullshit.

Personally, I do not believe in magic, fairies, astrology, a great savior and any other inexplicable forces that supposedly have an impact on the daily life and activities of people. I, considering them impossible and funny, and this realization makes my life more fulfilling.

How, I see all the physical and social laws by which the world and society function, and this helps me to find my place in this world, to learn to live in harmony with its other inhabitants.

The world doesn't owe you anything. Everything is only in your hands.

4. In real life, there is no concept of "fate"

“What can you do, this is the fate” is a favorite excuse of millions of people who do not want to do anything to make their life even a little better. Destinies in real life.

There are no restrictions. Your social circle, place of birth, age, amount of money, current job and the like are just cliches that people use in order not to live life to the fullest.

Nothing is predetermined. If you are determined, you can always find many opportunities to achieve what you desire. It doesn't matter how much money is in your wallet or what your profession is.

5. Look for people whose views and beliefs are different from yours

As you might have guessed, after reading the third paragraph, I have my own view of the world, which does not coincide with the views of many people. However, many people find the meaning of life in believing in something that I don't know about. And this is good: if everyone thought the same way as I did, the world would be a very boring place.

Therefore, when I meet someone whose system of values and beliefs is different from mine, I do not try to argue, remake or in any other way change their views.

When someone is confident in something that they believe in for many years, you cannot convince them with a cleverly chosen pair of words. Everyone, and you, and thoughts about everything, and everyone will not give up on them so easily. If their beliefs are wrong, then they can realize this over time themselves and only themselves.

Do not take on such a responsibility - to convince the whole world that you are right. It is important to acknowledge that you may be wrong.

The world is much more fun with people with different beliefs and interests. Despite my skepticism, while traveling, I communicated with astrologers and religious people, and with conservatives, and people who hate technology. Thanks to this, I was able to learn a lot, gain invaluable life experience.

If you connect with people who always agree with you in everything, you will not allow yourself to learn much more.

6. Living a decent life is the best way to convince people that you are right

Enough words and arguments. Just live in such a way that others will want to follow your example.

When people see results, when they notice that you are enjoying your life, they will be on your side. Then the need to convince them will disappear by itself.

7. No one and nothing comes easy

Every person has problems, and even if someone tries to convince you otherwise, do not rush to think that everything is easy for this person. You only see what the other person allows you to see. You have no idea what feelings he actually experiences or what trials and hardships he had to go through in a situation that seems simple to you.

This is true for everyone: millionaires, students, party people, introverts. Each person has their own story, and it is much more than a superficial and limited reflection, by which we so love to judge a person's life.

So do not seek to judge a person's life if you are not familiar with its full history.

8. There is nothing shameful about the phrase “I don’t know”

There is nothing terrible or shameful in admitting that in such and such a question or in such and such a topic you are an incompetent adviser. Don't beat around the bush, just say, "I don't know."

9. Money will never solve all your problems

If you do not live on the street and do not starve to death, you do not need more money. You realize this especially clearly when you spend a lot of time with people who live on a pittance, but at the same time live a full life.

The most wonderful things in this life are not worth a dime, and everything else is much cheaper than you think.

10. What you own takes possession of you

Think about the real reason why you want to buy another expensive bullshit. You don't really need it, you just want to show off in front of others, send them a message: "Look how cool I am."

In reality, you need the essentials, that is, those that help you survive and work, everything else is optional.

The need to buy more and more new things controls your life: it ties you to a specific place, to the house and to the furniture in it, and you strive to buy more and more. And it almost never enriches your life. The less property you own, the better.

11. TV is a black hole for human time

Before I turned 21, I spent 3-4 hours of my time every day in front of the TV screen, watching various TV shows that supposedly helped me to relax. I regret every second that I have devoted to this lesson. Real life passed me by.

TV was an integral part of the 20th century, it was the main source of news for millions of people, but nowadays watching TV is a waste.

People get biased and revised news out of the box, while in the 21st century there are alternative and more reliable sources of information. Watching stupid TV shows, watching a parody of life, people steal from themselves, into which they could not be a passive consumer, but a creator who lives and feels, and does not observe the passions of others.

TV is taking your life away from you.

You meet with friends and discuss not your life, your experiences, successes or problems, but a popular TV show. Sitting at home and staring at a drawer without interruption is the best way to live a completely empty life.

12. Limit your daily internet use

Unlike TV, the Internet does not cultivate passivity. He helps us actively express our position on issues that are important to us, and also connects people around the world. It would be very difficult for me to complete my many years of travel without the Internet.

But it's worth saying that, like TV, the Internet can become a huge black hole that consumes your time. Use it to make your life more interesting and eventful, but set limits for yourself: you must have time for real life.

Ultimately, replacing one screen with another (even when you use one of them to communicate with people) is also an escape from real life, only more beautiful.

13. Spend time with other people

My favorite site is. Perhaps it is precisely because I do not spend a lot of time on it. During my travels, this site helped me find accommodation in a new place and with which to meet. Also thanks to him it was easier for me.

Real life is not in books, TV, or even on your computer screen. Communication with other people is real life. So just meet them!

14. If during the trip you speak only your native language, you will lose a lot

If you are visiting a country for the weekend, you can stay at a hotel, order food from an expensive restaurant and find yourself a guided tour in your native language or in English. You can even make friends among Aboriginal people who know English, and then you can create around you.

You can live in another country for a long time without knowing the local language and convincing yourself that this is the way to go.

But you will never really get to know the local culture if you talk to the locals, especially considering the fact that English is generally only spoken by the educated population of the country.

Tourists miss so much! Precisely because I did not limit myself to my native language, many amazing events and encounters have happened in my travels, which probably would not have happened if I had not tried to learn the local languages.

Anyone can. Although, when I was 21, I thought that I was not able to do it. But then I dropped all doubts and excuses and just started acting.

15. In modern countries there is no place for your stereotypes

Each country is unique, and it does not have to justify your stereotypes about it, gleaned from some second-rate travel brochure.

Put aside ignorant stereotypes and be open to new things - this is the only way you will understand the culture of the country and modern real life., and play football, eh, and everyone else will pleasantly surprise you if you leave all the speculation and rumors about them and their country at the airport.

Respect the cultural characteristics of each country, try to adapt to them, and you can better understand not only foreign culture, but also yourself.

16. Take your time

In countries with a quieter pace of life, I realized that taking your time is a very good strategy.

People and countries that are always trying to get things done faster are making things worse.

Walk slowly but surely.

Enjoy every bite of food, walk slower and admire the surroundings, do not interrupt the other in mid-sentence, but listen carefully to his story, just stop on the street in the middle of the day, close your eyes and listen to your breathing.

17. You Can't Please Everyone

Never try to please everyone and compromise your interests just to please someone.

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.

Bill Cosby

If you are a confident enough person, then you will share your ideas and thoughts with others, and if someone does not like them (and be sure that someone will definitely not like them), then you will not give up your positions only due to the fact that they are displeasing to someone. This is their problem, not yours.

18. Don't be afraid to be yourself

People who are ashamed of their individuality will always be subject to pressure from others.

Be yourself always, under any circumstances. Swim against the tide and live your life as your heart tells you, not as fashion trends dictate.

19. Make mistakes, many mistakes

We learn from our mistakes, and failures are.

20. Use sunscreen

Seriously. Protect your skin. Follow this and other tips in the video.

21. Stop thinking and start acting

People think too much about how many great things they have to do, and as a result they do absolutely nothing.

When I think about why I have over the past few years, I am reminded of the question I asked myself: "Do I have to do something important?" My answer was no.

22. Sing and dance wherever possible

Singing and dancing are great ways to express your emotions and moods. It's hard not to feel in great shape after such an exciting action.

23. Make new friends and don't forget about old ones

For eight years I have traveled alone. I came to every new country without having a single friend there. I didn't have any acquaintances, but they showed up one way or another. I found information about upcoming parties on the Internet, came to them and said: "Hello everyone!" Soon I was finding people with whom I was in constant contact.

If you are friendly, sincere and charming, then it will not be difficult for you to make friends with a person, even though you live in different countries.

When we are surrounded by family members, friends, colleagues and other close and familiar people, we do not seek to make new acquaintances.

But people wake up! There are so many interesting people around. Take a look around!

24. We don't value what we have

One day I could not afford to pay for a hotel for one night and had to sleep on the street. Since then, I have appreciated the bed, sofa and hammock, no matter how large or comfortable they are.

I once contracted an infection that made my hearing impaired for two weeks. Since then, I have surrounded me, because I know what it is like not to hear them at all.

I have never lost people close to me, but I hug all my family members tightly as soon as I see them and tell them how much I love them. I try to prevent quarrels and misunderstandings with friends.

Life is too short. Remember this.

25. Swallow your pride and apologize

Never hold a grudge against another.

Sometimes it’s better to give up your pride in order to maintain a good relationship with your loved one. Be the first to say that you are sorry about the fight and never wait for another person to take the first step.

26. Impress people with something non-standard

We all want to receive recognition from others. Telling people about how many foreign languages you know, how rich you are, who you know, where you studied, where you work, or is not the most effective way to get others to respect yourself.

Admire people who are interesting in themselves.

Remember that people are often impressed by those who do not seek to impress them.

Sometimes, to become interesting to others, it is enough, for example, to be just a good listener.

27. People are not alone in their loneliness

One of the most frequently asked questions to me is: "Do you feel lonely when traveling?" My answer is no.

There is much more loneliness in the world than I would have imagined. In fact, I was more alone in my university years,. I've met a lot of people who have a ton of social media friends but feel lonely in real life.

People who have changed their lifestyle in any way (not necessarily going on a long journey, but, for example, getting married or taking a new job) often lose touch with their childhood friends and feel lonely because of this.

I have had conversations with many people who were convinced that they were alone on the path of loneliness. Every time I hear a story like this, a line from the band's song sounds in my head: "It looks like I'm not alone in my loneliness."

Believe me or not, I find it very comforting. Despite the fact that other people cannot find themselves in a completely identical situation, the realization that you are not alone in your loneliness in this second makes you feel relieved.

No matter how lonely you feel, there are always people who are close to you. You may not be able to talk to them at the moment, but they are.

28. Love is not "all you need", but your life will be empty without it

You will not die without love, but without love you will feel a huge hole inside you. Make sure you have people (family, friends, or a loved one) around you who can remind you that you are special.

If you constantly postpone this part of your life for later, then when this "later" still comes, you will continue your lonely path.

29. Every life lesson is valuable and important

When I graduated from the university, I thought that I knew almost everything I needed, and what I don’t know I could find in books. But the truth is, life's most valuable lessons cannot be presented in white or black, including everything I've listed in this post.

When there is so much information in the world that it is enough to just click the mouse a couple of times and get everything that is needed, it seems to us that this is enough. In addition, there are books, films and other people who can share their knowledge and impressions.

But this is wrong. The greatest teacher is your own experience. Put the book aside and turn off the movie.

Stop being a passive observer - start living!