That is all the National Parks are about. Use, but do no harm.
Wallace StegnerRead
American individualism, much celebrated and cherished, has developed without its essential corrective, which is belonging.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in achieving a balanced individualism.
Wallace Stegner's quote highlights the idea that while individualism is valued in American culture, it can become imbalanced without the grounding element of belonging to a community. True individual fulfillment often requires connection and a sense of belonging, suggesting that independence should be complemented by relationships and communal ties.
Themes
IndividualismBelongingCommunityCultureConnection
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of community involvement, this quote reinforces the need for connection amongst individuals.
More from Wallace Stegner
All quotes βTouch. It is touch that is the deadliest enemy of chastity, loyalty, monogamy, gentility with its codes and conventions and restraints. By touch we are betrayed and betray others ... an accidental brushing of shoulders or touching of hands ... hands laid on shoulders in a gesture of comfort that lies like a thief, that takes, not gives, that wants, not offers, that awakes, not pacifies. When one flesh is waiting, there is electricity in the merest contact.
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Hope was always out ahead of fact, possibility obscured the outlines of reality.
Wallace StegnerRead
Young writers should be encouraged to write, and discouraged from thinking they are writers.
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I was shaped by the west and have lived most of my life in it, and nothing would gratify me more than to see it in all its subregions and subcultures both prosperous and environmentally healthy, with a civilization to match its scenery.
Wallace StegnerRead
Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus.
Wallace StegnerRead
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