I thought how utterly we have forsaken the Earth, in the sense of excluding it from our thoughts. There are but few who consider its physical hugeness, its rough enormity. It is still a disparate monstrosity, full of solitudes, barrens, wilds. It still dwarfs, terrifies, crushes. The rivers still roar, the mountains still crash, the winds still shatter. Man is an affair of cities. His gardens, orchards and fields are mere scrapings. Somehow, however, he has managed to shut out the face of the giant from his windows. But the giant is there, nevertheless.

Summary

This quote highlights how humanity has become disconnected from the natural world, viewing it as insignificant and ignoring its immense power and grandeur. The author reflects on how people primarily engage with urbanized environments, neglecting the vastness of Earth's landscapes and the awe-inspiring forces of nature. Despite humanity's attempts to, metaphorically, shut out the face of the Earth's enormity and limit their view to cities, the author reminds us that the Earth still exists in all its mighty glory, with raging rivers, towering mountains, and fierce winds, regardless of humanity's inclination to overlook them.

Topics