Terry Tempest Williams reflects on the troubling perception in society that art and nature are considered optional pursuits, limited to the interests of the elite. This mindset implies that engagement with the natural world and artistic expression are luxuries rather than fundamental aspects of human experience. Such a viewpoint undermines the intrinsic value these elements hold in enhancing our lives and connecting us to the environment and each other.

Williams challenges readers to reconsider the importance of art and nature, asserting that they should be accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. By questioning this societal view, she urges a reevaluation of how we prioritize and integrate these vital components into our daily lives. Art and nature, rather than being sidelined, should be embraced as essential to this collective human experience.