The wonder of an object is that it is not a thought. A thing is first and foremost itself. An inconsequential pebble picked up on the side of the road has preceded us by anything up to four hundred million years, and its face will be brightened still further by rain that will fall here thousands of years after we have vanished. We might change things in the world, yet the most minimal, seemingly insignificant object outlasts us.
John O'Donohue reflects on the profound nature of objects, suggesting that their existence transcends human thought and perception. He emphasizes that even the simplest item, like a pebble found on the roadside, carries a history that spans millions of years. This pebble existed long before us and will remain long after we are gone, serving as a reminder of the enduring nature of the physical world.
The author highlights a sense of wonder in recognizing that, despite our capacity to alter our surroundings, there are entities in nature that possess a permanence we cannot claim. O'Donohue's exploration invites us to appreciate the beauty and timelessness of the natural world, which persists regardless of human influence or existence.
