Member-only story
The Tourist Syndrome
Why we sometimes hesitate to go for what we really want
A few years ago, I went to Istanbul for a vacation. Never having been to the Middle East, I was excited to explore a new culture, which I did with great relish and a whole lot of hummus.
Of all the new adventures, perhaps the most remarkable was the visit to the Grand Bazaar.
Not because of the number of shops (4,000). Not because of its history (569 years old). And not because of the masses of people.
No. Because I finally got clear about something in my own psyche and, by extension, the human psyche — something I call the “Tourist Syndrome” — a phenomenon that has great relevance to the way in which some people relate to any wisdom teacher.
Here’s how the Tourist Syndrome works:
You feel a need for something (i.e., new experience, good deal, or fun adventure) and decide on going to a particular destination to meet that need. In my case it was the Grand Bazaar and the possibility of buying a beautiful rug for a great price.
