The growth of a naturalist is like the growth of a musician or athlete: excellence for the talented, lifelong enjoyment for the rest, benefit for humanity.
Interpretation
Becoming a naturalist enriches individuals and contributes positively to society, regardless of talent level.
E. O. Wilson compares the development of a naturalist to that of a musician or an athlete, highlighting that while some may achieve excellence through innate talent, for many, the journey is about lifelong enjoyment and passion. Furthermore, this growth contributes to the well-being of humanity as a whole, emphasizing the importance of pursuing knowledge and appreciation for nature.
In practice
In a graduation speech, one could emphasize the importance of lifelong learning using this quote.
Consider the nematode roundworm, the most abundant of all animals. Four out of five animals on Earth are nematode worms β if all solid materials except nematode worms were to be eliminated, you could still see the ghostly outline of most of it in nematode worms.
Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.
The worst thing that will probably happen-in fact is already well underway-is not energy depletion, economic collapse, conventional war, or the expansion of totalitarian governments. As terrible as these catastrophes would be for us, they can be repaired in a few generations. The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.
Humanity today is like a waking dreamer, caught between the fantasies of sleep and the chaos of the real world. The mind seeks but cannot find the precise place and hour. We have created a Star Wars civilization, with Stone Age emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology. We thrash about. We are terribly confused by the mere fact of our existence, and a danger to ourselves and to the rest of life.
Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.
An Armageddon is approaching at the beginning of the third millennium. But it is not the cosmic war and fiery collapse of mankind foretold in sacred scripture. It is the wreckage of the planet by an exuberantly plentiful and ingenious humanity.
Reading well is one of the greatest pleasures that solitude can afford you.
Our intentions may be very good, but, because the intelligence is limited, the action may turn out to be a mistake - a mistake, but not necessarily a sin, for sin comes out of a wrong intention.
You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself, and you're responsible for the energy that you bring to others.
Not that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my nature, not for any crime.
In your present-moment awareness, awaken to your innocence, your trust, your love, your eternal being.
Advice to intellectuals: let no-one represent you.
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