Quote by Milan Kundera
A route differs from a road not only because it is solely intended for vehicles, but also because it is merely a line that connects one point with another. A route has no meaning in itself; its meaning derives entirely from the two points that it connects. A road is a tribute to space. Every stretch of road has meaning in itself and invites us to stop. A route is the triumphant devaluation of space, which thanks to it has been reduced to a mere obstacle to human movement and a waste of time.
Summary
This quote highlights the fundamental difference between a route and a road. While a road serves a purpose beyond transportation, often offering scenic or practical stops, a route is purely functional, connecting two points with no intrinsic meaning. By focusing solely on getting from one place to another, a route devalues the significance of the space it occupies and reduces it to an obstacle in the way of human movement. In contrast, a road celebrates space and invites us to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.