John Muir was a naturalist and activist that lived mostly in the 19th century but I’m sure if he was alive today that all of us here in the tentree community would choose to call him up as our hiking buddy on the weekend. Even though he passed on over 100 years ago his writings about the value of our world still holds true for us today.
Check out 10 John Muir nature quotes below:
“There is a love of wild nature in everybody, an ancient mother-love showing itself whether recognized or not, and however covered by cares and duties.”
We keep ourselves busy during our day to day lives with things like chores, work tasks and commuting from place to place. When you get to stop and go outside, you’ll understand the value of lying in a wild meadow looking up at the trees, swimming in a hidden lake or touching the summit of a windswept mountain.
Wild places are where we can feel whole and unburdened from the stresses of modern life.
“John Muir, Earth — planet, Universe”
John wrote this as his address on the inside cover of his first Field Journal. He understood that the natural world doesn’t see borders, nations or empires.
We are all equal and simply inhabitants of our one home, the pale blue dot that is Earth.
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
It’s important to get out of your local concrete jungle and reconnect with feeling the natural earth beneath our feet. This can also be read as advice to not always follow the path of least resistance in life. Take risks, follow your heart once in a while instead of the path paved for you by others.
“What a psalm the storm was singing, and how fresh the smell of the washed earth and leaves, and how sweet the still small voices of the storm!”
A content mind will find pleasure in any weather. Go into the wild with an open mind to experience all that happens there, storms and sunshines alike, and we won’t leave disappointed.
“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.”
The wild mountains can offer the truest sense of freedom to us. There are no roads or sidewalks. They are mostly free of trails and signposts. There is little that will make you feel freer than putting your finger on a point on a map and being capable of navigating yourself there without the need of others to show you the way.
“The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.”
All we can know for sure is that we have this one precious life to live and we are challenged to live it to the fullest. Explore this world, have more adventures now!
“I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.”
The real news of what is happening on this planet is happening right now in our wild lands. It isn’t on TV or in Newspapers. Head into our forests and mountains to learn what is really worth knowing.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
It’s easy to explain the physical benefits of exercising out in nature. It’s difficult to describe how amazing it is for clearing the mind and reflecting on your life. John understood that a regular walk in the woods or nature was as good for the heart and mind as it is was for the body.
“Going to the mountains is going home.”
Some might say that heading into the natural world is an “Escape from real life”. Who agrees that it is more like a “Return to real life”? The Wild is the natural state of our world before it was covered in concrete and plastic. The wilderness is where we have come from, it is our original, true home.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
No truer words have been spoken. The mountains and wild have a way of captivating the hearts of many who go there. Leaving them feels like leaving a place where we belong. Do you hear the call of the wild? Will you answer?
