The 11 Best Quotes By Californian Writers

California has historically teemed with inspired and prolific writers keen on conveying a sense of reality and humanity. These introspective writers have much to say that applies to the universal human condition. Here are some words of wisdom, inspiration, and humor by the California greats.

‘Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.’ – Charles Bukowski

‘I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.’ – Jack London
‘In the time of your life, live — so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.’ – William Saroyan

‘I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy permanent planet.’ – Jack London.

‘The world is a beautiful place to be born into if you don’t mind some people dying all the time or maybe only starving some of the time which isn’t half so bad if it isn’t you.’ – Lawrence Ferlinghetti

‘A sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ.’ – John Steinbeck

‘Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.’ – John Steinbeck

‘Happiness consists in realising it is all a great strange dream.’ – Jack Kerouac

‘It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.’ – Upton Sinclair

‘Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.’ – Philip K. Dick

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.