There are times when I have the chance, albeit far fewer than I would prefer (or need, I should say), to sit in the woods or beside a stream and just sit and listen. I get to thinking of what a different, and probably better, world it would be if more people did just that – adoring our world instead of using it up at breakneck speed. An irony crosses my mind at times. My “simpleton”-ness usually lays the blame for the destruction of wild areas, including forests and rivers, on man’s desire to get to the bottom of everything – science. How I get to that conclusion includes several twists and turns and even more knots. But when I arrive at said conclusion, it brings to mind a couple of quotes that I have tucked away into various notebooks:
“You must not know too much, or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft; a certain free margin and even vagueness – perhaps ignorance, credulity – helps your enjoyment of these things…” – Walt Whitman
And being an ambassador of all things hobbit-ish, I must include a few words said by Gandalf during the Council Of Elrond, where he is relating his conversation with the foolish Saruman:
“And he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom.” – J.R.R. Tolkien (It’s not in the movie, folks. You’ll have to read the books again. Fellowship Of The Ring to be precise).
I’ll lay out my prescription to save the world’s forests right here. We need to get outside. Sit and listen. We’ll gladly make room for the forests because we’ll re-learn the wisdom and music shown us by the gently swaying maple branches being moved by a gentle breeze, and the waving and clicking of poplar leaves when the slightest breath of wind touches them, waving friendly to us.
It’s not the cure, but it’s the start, and the prevention of future ills.
The irony in all this, as mentioned before? It will probably take science to get reforestation done. We’ve evolved in a direction that has a hard time proving, or doing, anything without it.
Good quotes Casey. I tend to believe it is greed that is leading to the destruction of our world. Breaks my heart to think of a future with no clean air or trees to share with future generations. If it keeps up at this pace, there won’t be a “outdoors” to enjoy.
Hi Karen! Thank you for commenting on this old timey blog of mine. You’ll notice the blogroll here probably won’t be blogs that are just hunting and fishing related. So that means, beings you have a dog blog, I’ll add you here, too.
I wish I could explain why I’m blogging back here again. But I can’t. But thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Casey! You keep writing…I’ll keep stalking..or uh, following that is, where ever you end up! ha ha
I like this place better Casey. I’m ashamed to say I haven’t made an entry in my own blog lately, but I’m not into contests to see who can write the best blog on a subject suggested by someone else. I’ll write when the spirit moves me, and when I think I might have something interesting to say.
Re: your current post. I like to just sit, watch, and listen. It’s surprising how much you can see and hear if you are just quiet and still. Be a part of the woods, and the woods will reveal itself to you. Who would want to destroy something like that?
Thanks Bob. Don’t be ashamed about not making an entry on the blog, sometimes a person gets too busy. Happens to me at times too. I echo your sentiments on being in the woods.
That quote by Whitman is one of the best I’ve seen in a while. I don’t want to sound too harsh but man will be the ruination of all things good in this world.
Hello Bill. You are correct about man, I’m afraid. Nature will persevere, but will be altered a bit.
I like this post.
Thank you Rainfield!
Hi Casey,
Just like the bad penny I’m back my friend, I do like this blog of yours, it seems oh er righter somehow, more you I guess my friend.
Seems to be thread amongst posts that I’m reading this morning – man’s interference with nature. I really do feel that once man has managed to mess things up to such a degree that his own survival is not possible nature will once more spread her shroud and the world will be in harmony once more, it’s seen even now in areas of abandoned industrial waste, green shoots and the first small animals restating their claims to land no longer deemed fir for human habitation. It’s just a pity that we live in a time when we’re in the midst of destroying our home the earth. Oh to live millennium ago with native folk who lived in full harmony with the world around them, sadly lessons learnt and now long forgotten. Bloody hell should have e-mailed this comment my friend!
Regards,
John
Don’t worry about the long comment, John! I feel the writings I’ll try to scribe here will be more “me” also. Something just feels more right.
I ditto your feelings about man in his present state. Trouble’s brewing…
[...] Australia, were both reminded of Lord of the Rings when contemplating their local woods. Casey wonders whether our obsession with understanding and naming every component of a forest might do more harm [...]
just sitting… watching… listening… perfect! yeah, if more people did… and really listened. great quotes too.
very nicely said Casey. I had to quote you in my post – http://ringsofsilverpv.blogspot.com/2011/03/silk-exhibition-at-pondicherry.html