That is all the National Parks are about. Use, but do no harm.
Wallace StegnerRead
You achieve stature only by being good enough to deserve it, by forcing even the contemptuous and indifferent to pay attention, and to acknowledge that human relations and human emotions are of inexhaustible interest wherever they occur.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True stature comes from deserving respect through our actions and the depth of human relationships.
This quote underscores the idea that genuine recognition and respect stem from one's ability to engage meaningfully with others. It suggests that to achieve a notable presence in the world, one must cultivate qualities and actions that command attention and respect from even those who may initially overlook or disregard them. The richness of human emotions and interactions is a universal interest, highlighting the importance of connecting with others on deeper levels.
Themes
StatureRespectRelationshipsHuman EmotionsAcknowledgement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire someone to cultivate deeper connections in their community.
More from Wallace Stegner
All quotes →Touch. 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.
Wallace StegnerRead
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.
Wallace StegnerRead
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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