Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Wendellsdays

A Wendell Berry quote for every Wednesday...well, if I remember that is.

“We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. And this has been based on the even flimsier assumption that we could know with any certainty what was good even for us...

We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and to learn what is good for it. We must learn to cooperate in its processes, and to yield to its limits. But even more important, we must learn to acknowledge that the creation is full of mystery; we will never entirely understand it. We must abandon arrogance and stand in awe. We must recover the sense of the majesty of creation, and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For I do not doubt that it is only on the condition of humility and reverence for the world that our species will be able to remain on it.” – Wendell Berry, A Native Hill.

2 comments:

don't eat alone said...

You're right -- he is the man.

I must also say the opening sentences

"We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world...We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us"

I read first from a human perspective after hearing the news of Mukasey's confirmation and Musharef's action.

Both readings ring true.

Peace,
Milton

mr jones and me said...

Indeed! Thanks Milton.