Nature is slow, but sure; she works no faster than need be; she is the tortoise that wins the race by her perseverance.
Henry David ThoreauRead
We feel the beauty of nature because we are part of nature and because we know that however much in our separate domains we abstract from the unity of Nature, this unity remains. Although we may deal with particulars, we return finally to the whole pattern woven out of these.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our appreciation of nature stems from our connection to it, recognizing our individual experiences as part of a greater whole.
This quote by Ernest Everett Just emphasizes the deep interconnectedness between humanity and nature. It suggests that while we may experience and interpret nature in our own unique ways, our understanding ultimately leads us back to the recognition of the unity of all living things. It invites reflection on the importance of this unity and the beauty that arises from it, encouraging us to appreciate both the details and the overall pattern of existence.
Themes
NatureUnityBeautyInterconnectednessExistence
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at an environmental conference, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of recognizing our bond with the natural world.
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