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Wilderness and motors are incompatible and the former can best be experienced, understood and enjoyed when the machines are left behind where they belong -- on the superhighways and in the parking lots, on the reservoirs and in the marinas.
Edward Abbey
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the incompatibility between technology and the natural wilderness.

Edward Abbey's quote articulates the belief that true immersion in nature requires a separation from machines and technology. He suggests that the wilderness should be experienced in its purest form, free from the noise and distractions of motors and vehicles, which tend to detract from the serenity and beauty of natural spaces.

Themes

WildernessNatureTechnologyMachinesExperienceEnjoyment

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech advocating for environmental conservation.

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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.
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