The quote “Who lives sees, but who travels sees more” is widely attributed to Ibn Battuta, the 14th-century Moroccan scholar and traveller.
However, there’s no verifiable historical source or manuscript directly linking these exact words to him. It’s very likely a modern paraphrase or interpretation of his philosophy and travel writings rather than a direct quotation.
Ibn Battuta did express admiration for the value of travel and the knowledge it brings, but as with many historical figures, popular quotes are often simplified or modernized versions of more complex original texts.
About Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta was a 14th-century Moroccan explorer and scholar, renowned for undertaking one of the most extensive journeys of the pre-modern world.
Born in 1304 in Tangier, he set out at the age of 21 on a pilgrimage to Mecca, which turned into a 30-year odyssey across more than 70,000 miles. His travels took him through
- North and West Africa,
- the Middle East,
- Central Asia,
- India,
- Southeast Asia,
- China,
He often served as a judge or diplomat along the way due to his deep knowledge of Islamic law.
Unlike many travellers of his time, Ibn Battuta documented not only landscapes and routes but also cultural practices, local politics, religious customs, and daily life, which offered a vivid snapshot of the medieval Islamic world and beyond. Upon returning to Morocco, he was encouraged by the Sultan of Fez to recount his experiences, which were compiled into a book known as the Rihla (The Journey).
His writings remain an important historical source and are celebrated for their detail, storytelling, and anthropological insight.
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