Escapism, we are led to believe, is evidence of a deficiency in character, a certain failure of temperament, and like so many -isms, it is to be strenuously avoided. 'How do you expect to get ahead?,' people ask. But the question altogether misses the point. The escapist doesn't want to get ahead. He simply wants to get away.

The quote by J. Maarten Troost, "Escapism, we are led to believe, is evidence of a deficiency in character, a certain failure of temperament, and like so many -isms, it is to be strenuously avoided. 'How do you expect to get ahead?,' people ask. But the question altogether misses the point. The escapist doesn't want to get ahead. He simply wants to get away," challenges the common view that escapism is inherently negative or a sign of personal weakness. Troost argues that escapism is often misunderstood. It is not necessarily about avoiding life or responsibility, but about seeking a break or respite from the pressures and demands of modern existence.

The origin of this quote comes from Troost’s own life experiences, particularly as an author who has written about his time living abroad and his attempts to escape the stress and monotony of Western life. In works like The Sex Lives of Cannibals, Troost explores the concept of escaping from society's rigid expectations and finding peace or clarity in different environments. His experiences suggest that escapism is often a personal choice aimed at gaining freedom, rather than an indication of personal failure or an inability to handle life’s challenges.

Troost’s statement reflects a deeper understanding of escapism as a form of self-preservation or personal renewal. The escapist, as Troost describes, is not necessarily trying to advance in the traditional sense of getting ahead in life, but instead is seeking space to reflect, recharge, and step away from the overwhelming demands of society. This distinction is important because it reframes escapism as a valid coping mechanism rather than a flaw, suggesting that the desire to get away can sometimes be a way of preserving one's mental health and well-being.

Ultimately, this quote invites us to reconsider how we view escapism. Rather than labeling it as a sign of weakness or failure, Troost suggests that it can be a necessary response to the stresses of modern life. The true challenge, he implies, is not in seeking an escape, but in understanding that there are different ways of engaging with the world—sometimes, the need to get away is exactly what one needs in order to return to life with renewed clarity and purpose.