pull down to refresh

I haven't finished this yet, but this quote shook me.

“A crowd whose discontent has risen no higher than the level of slogans is only a crowd. But a crowd that understands the reasons for its discontentment and knows the remedies is a vital community, and it will have to be reckoned with. - Wendell Berry

I have never heard of this guy. Now I want to read more.

reply

There’s so much profound stuff from him, in so many genres like Silent Springesc environmentalism, nutrition, theology, health, some fiction, farming…but for me it’s the poetry

Here is The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

I had my one and only out of body experience listening to a piece of music played on giant kalimbas (like 15-16 ft tall) once right after the music’s composer read the audience that poem. I was 17 at the time, so the bulk of it (the poem) was over my head despite it being a part of setting the vibe.

reply

Fantastic. I need to explore. I have a feeling I will like his prose a lot too.

reply

that's awesome

reply
reply

So much great stuff here!

reply

Great link. I will check out some essays too. His bio is a good read.

reply