What Ed and I knew, on some fundamental level, is that once you've been out in it long enough, it becomes the top priority," he told us as we settled into the study. "When you're out in it fully, you recognize it's where you belong. We concluded that it took a good ten days in the wilderness until you began to change. You need to live in the spirit of nature, so that it's totally and intuitively in your system. Then you don't have any choice but to defend it.
The quote emphasizes the profound connection that can be formed with nature after spending significant time immersed in it. The author reflects on his experience in the wilderness, suggesting that a transformation occurs after around ten days, when one begins to internalize the spirit of nature. This deep bond leads to a recognized sense of belonging and a strong instinct to protect the natural world.
In the context of the book "All The Wild That Remains," the notion highlights the importance of experiencing nature first-hand. The author and Ed share the understanding that true appreciation for the wilderness develops over time, as the individual becomes more attuned to its rhythms and beauty, ultimately fostering a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
