Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
Late in August the lure of the mountains becomes irresistible. Seared by the everlasting sunfire, I want to see running water again, embrace a pine tree, cut my initials in the bark of an aspen, get bit by a mosquito, see a mountain bluebird, find a big blue columbine, get lost in the firs, hike above timberline, sunbathe on snow and eat some ice, climb the rocks and stand in the wind at the top of the world on the peak of Tukuhnikivats.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep longing for the natural beauty and serenity found in the mountains during late August.
In this quote, Edward Abbey captures the essence of a yearning for nature, particularly the mountains, as summer wanes. The vivid imagery and personal experiences he describes reflect a profound connection with the wilderness, highlighting the invigorating and rejuvenating experiences that the outdoors can provide. Abbey's love for nature is palpable as he shares a desire to engage with its many facets, from the simplicity of being around trees and water to the exhilaration of mountain climbing.
Themes
NatureMountainsLongingOutdoorsExploration
In practice
Example use cases
During a nature retreat, I shared the quote to inspire appreciation for the beauty of the wilderness.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes →I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
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If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
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The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
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I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
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Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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