Why does a virtuous man take delight in the landscapes? Because the din of the dusty world and the locked-in-ness of human habitations are what human nature habitually abhors; while on the contrary, haze, mist, and the haunting spirits of the mountains are what human nature seeks, and yet can rarely find.

Summary

This quote suggests that a virtuous person finds joy in the beauty of nature because the noise and repetitive routine of human-made environments go against our innate nature. Instead, we are drawn to the freshness and mystery of natural landscapes, like mountains, mist, and hazy elements, which resonate with the depths of our being. Unfortunately, these aspects are often scarce, making them even more precious when encountered. Nature provides a refuge from the chaos of civilization and allows virtuous individuals to reconnect with something deeper within themselves.

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