“A fundamental difference between our culture and Eskimo culture, which can be felt even today in certain situations, is that we have irrevocably separated ourselves from the world that animals occupy. We have turned all animals and elements of the natural world into objects. We manipulate them to serve the complicated ends of our destiny. Eskimos do not grasp this separation easily, and have difficulty imagining themselves entirely removed from the world of animals. For many of them, to make this separation is analogous to cutting oneself off from light or water. It is hard to imagine how to do it.”
Barry López
I would even suggest that man has turned humans into objects! Many do not see the connectedness we have with one another. As William James says “We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep” but many do not see it.
It was -3 degrees at 7:30 this morning and we’ve had light to heavy snow throughout the day. Not expecting to get above 10 degrees today. Probably not going on that picnic today, either.
4 Comments
Joe
This may be an excerpt from Arctic Dreams a book I read a few years back. He’s a poetic writer when it comes to nature and the land
Monte Stevens
Yes, it is from that book. It was given to me by a friend and I’ve just not been able to read through it. Not sure why. I like what I’ve read but I can’t seem to stay in the pages. My issue, not the author.
Mark
Great writer Mr. Lopez.
Also a bit jealous of the fox encounter.
Monte Stevens
I’ve only read some of his work but there are many who consider his writing to be top notch. I downloaded his last book on my Kindle so I need to get on it.
The fox image is from a few years ago. Sadly, I do not see them as often.