Sharing Nature Articles and Activities

Activities from Joseph's new book, John Muir: My Life with Nature
by Joseph Cornell
 

A. Dolphin
B. Introspection about life's goals
C. Day and night/anywhere
D. 1 or more
E. 12 years and up
F. Pencil and paper

Joy In The Midst Of Hardship

John Muir never let cold or wet weather ruin his fun outdoors. When the weather became challenging, Muir said he didn't notice any real discomfort because he was too busy gazing in wonder at the scenery. The following journal entry of Muir's beautifully describes this:

I was as wet as if I had been swimming after crossing raging torrents and fighting my way through the Alaskan jungle. But everything was deliciously fresh, and I found new and old plant friends, and glacier lessons that made everything bright and light. I saw Calypso borealis, one of my little plant darlings, worth any amount of hardship. And the mosses were indescribably beautiful, so fresh, so bright, and so cheery green. In the evening I managed to make a small fire out of wet twigs, got a cup of tea, stripped off my dripping clothing, wrapped myself in a blanket and lay thinking on the gains of the day. I was glad, rich, and almost comfortable.

Describe a time when you made a challenging situation fun by keeping a positive attitude. What happened?

Be True To Thyself

Muir's family and friends wanted him to choose a profession- the more socially acceptable, the better. His interest in inventing machinery and wandering through the countryside looking at plants worried his family. He was already in his mid-20s and hadn't yet settled down, and they were afraid he'd become a "no-account" and embarrass them.

During this time, John received lots of "helpful" suggestions on what he should do with his life. His younger brother David told him, "Forget those confounded weeds, John! Marry, and go into business!" True to himself, though, Muir followed his own star. In his journal he wrote, "I will follow my instincts, be myself for good or ill, and see what will be the upshot. As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can." Fortunately for us-and for the Sierra-he remained true to his dream.

As a young man, Muir showed a type of strength that was different than the kind that conquers mountains and crosses glaciers. It was the courage to live his own ideals, even when others didn't understand or value them. Throughout his life, Muir continued to make decisions that kept him true to his life's purpose.

Perhaps the greatest (and shortest!) tribute ever given to John Muir was by Reinhold Messner, a German mountaineer. Messner and an American were climbing in the Swiss Alps. The American was surprised to see the Alps so developed, with hotels, villages, and farms dotting the landscape nearly everywhere. He was accustomed to the untouched beauty of the American wilderness, and he asked Messner why the Alps had so many buildings and signs of human activity. With just three words, Messner explained the difference. He said, "You had Muir."

Robert Underwood Johnson, a leading conservationist of Muir's day, spoke of the tremendous influence Muir had on everyone then. He said appreciatively, "Muir's writings and enthusiasm were the chief forces that inspired the conservation movement. All other torches were lighted from his."

John Muir said he lived "only to entice others to look at Nature's loveliness." In your life, what gives you the most satisfaction and meaning? Name the ideals you want to live by.

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