“You develop an inner life. You get it by making good friends and reading books. This inoculates you against America,” said the Australian writer and essayist Robert Dessaix at the Not Drowning, Waving: On Love, Leisure and Life session held on the last day of Lit for Life.
The author of The Pleasure of Leisure was speaking about how he despises the American desire to have power over others, when the moderator, Timeri N. Murari said India looked up to the U.S. for its technological advancements, comic books and movies.
An alternative world view that stresses on friendships, relationships and leisure was the focus. Travel helps him grow, said Dessaix.
More than truth, he believes in beauty. “I like the way the French speaks of having a beautiful life. In English, it sounds boring when they say, ‘I have had a good life’.” He added that he feels less guilty as he surrenders himself to happiness.
