Meaning: The quote "It was a secular cathedral, dedicated to the rites of travel" by Robert Hughes, a renowned art critic, captures the essence of a place or structure that holds significance and reverence similar to that of a religious cathedral, but in a secular, non-religious context. This quote is often used to describe places such as train stations, airports, and other transportation hubs that serve as gateways for travelers to embark on journeys to new destinations. In essence, it conveys the idea that these spaces are not only functional in facilitating travel but also hold a deeper symbolic and experiential meaning for those passing through them.

When Hughes refers to a "secular cathedral," he is drawing a parallel between the grandeur and significance of traditional religious cathedrals and the awe-inspiring nature of certain secular spaces. Just as cathedrals serve as places of worship and pilgrimage for the faithful, secular cathedrals serve as places of transit and connection for travelers. These spaces often boast architectural grandeur, bustling energy, and a sense of anticipation and excitement, much like the atmosphere found in religious settings.

Furthermore, the notion of being "dedicated to the rites of travel" emphasizes the ceremonial and ritualistic aspects of embarking on a journey. Travel is not merely a practical matter of getting from one place to another; it is a deeply human experience filled with anticipation, exploration, and sometimes even a sense of transcendence. The rituals of travel may include checking in, navigating security procedures, boarding a vehicle, and ultimately experiencing the exhilaration of movement and change.

In the context of a secular cathedral, these rites of travel take on a special significance. The space itself becomes a stage for these rituals, and the act of traversing it becomes a kind of secular pilgrimage. This perspective encourages us to appreciate the journey itself as an important part of the travel experience, not just a means to an end. It invites us to find meaning and beauty in the process of moving from one place to another, rather than solely focusing on the destination.

This quote also speaks to the universal nature of travel as a human experience. Regardless of one's background, culture, or beliefs, the act of departing from one place and arriving at another is a fundamental part of the human experience. By likening transportation hubs to cathedrals, Hughes suggests that these spaces hold a spiritual or reverential quality that transcends specific religious or cultural contexts. Travel becomes a unifying force that connects people from all walks of life in a shared experience of movement and discovery.

In summary, Robert Hughes's quote "It was a secular cathedral, dedicated to the rites of travel" encapsulates the idea that certain secular spaces, particularly transportation hubs, can evoke a sense of awe, reverence, and significance akin to that of religious cathedrals. It invites us to recognize the profound nature of travel and the spaces that facilitate it, emphasizing the ceremonial and ritualistic aspects of the journey and highlighting the universal human experience of movement and exploration.