Quote by Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Alma
There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace. To avoid the first danger, one should plant a garden, preferably where there is no grocer to confuse the issue. To avoid the second, he should lay a split of good oak on the andirons, preferably where there is no furnace, and let it warm his shins while a February blizzard tosses the trees outside. If one has cut, split, hauled, and piled his own good oak, and let his mind work the while, he will remember much about where heat comes from, and with a wealth of detail denied to those who spend the weekend in town astride a radiator.
Summary
This quote by Aldo Leopold highlights the disconnect between modern society and the sources of our basic necessities. He argues that not having a connection to the land, specifically through farming and experiencing the effort required to produce food and warmth, leads to a lack of understanding and appreciation for these essential elements of life. By engaging in activities such as gardening and gathering firewood, one gains a deeper knowledge and appreciation for where these resources come from, fostering a sense of gratitude and respect for the natural world.