"Like recognizing that there is a wisdom in nature that exists beyond my own human thoughts and concerns, that will outlast my lifetime and those of my descendants. To me, that's comforting." 😦😍😍
I was drawn to two moments in your reflections. One was your observation, Zanny, of how mountains exude a "humbling" effect that's "encouraging," the suggestion of "a wisdom in nature that exists beyond my own human thoughts and concerns, that will outlast my lifetime and those of my descendants. To me, that's comforting." The other was your observation, Roland, of the significance of the phrase "hopeful souls" and how it suggests a distinction between the hopeful and the hopeless in our world.
There's a way these moments converge for me, oriented about faith, grace, humility, and redemption. The quote (“On tops of mountains, as everywhere to hopeful souls, it is always morning.") is classic Thoreau, expressing with metaphoric flourish his Transcendental view of nature as humanity's only hope for salvation. If God created nature and humanity in his perfect image, and if humanity has lost its faith, fallen from grace, and abandoned divine perfection, then humanity's only path to salvation is to embrace nature, which is all that remains of perfection.
Converge the moments of your exchange, and Thoreau's quote can be read as expressing this Transcendental paradigm. Hopeful souls are actually faithful souls, who once lost their faith, fell from grace, and abandoned divine perfection, but who now seek redemption and salvation as an act of faith, the restoration of divine perfection, humbly from a divine presence greater than their own. In such an encouraging pursuit, it could only be morning on the tops of the mountains that humble and comfort us, as it could only be morning everywhere for those who pursue. Vintage Thoreau, if read from this eco-theological perspective, one of many possible interpretations.
Bob, Zan and I both hoped, in starting this series, that the quotes would inspire a variety of comments. Yours is another angle on the quote, expressed in a way neither of us would have done. What Thoreau did for me--and for millions of others--is to convince me that it's possible to make a good life outside the main cultural stream, to try something different, even if only for a year, as was the case with him. No doubt that year inspired the rest of his days. It inspired me to think: I don't have to live a certain way, just because so many people around me seem to be living that way. I can chart my own course, even if my originality involves only one part of my life and thought. I can be a homeowner, a father and husband and tax-paying citizen, and still find ways to be original and creative in my daily life. For Thoreau, for you, for Zan and me, nature somehow encourages that, is always there to undercut the assumptions of human society: that we have to live a certain way. For me it's like a quiet voice always whispering, "Figure it out yourself."
What a lovely posting. It inspired me to share something Jessica and I sent to our neighborhood network, people who live on our street and within a few blocks. There are dozens of recipients.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we roll over into the new year, we have a lot to celebrate. Topping the list is our best-ever block party that continued a tradition begun on a very small scale in the summer of 1968 under the banner of the Mullen Avenue Liberation Front. The block party represents the best of what is special about living in a very creative, friendly, and supportive community, one that was built action by action and event by event over fifty-six years. Consider how many of us came together to organize the party in 2024. Then consider that this is the epitome of what it means to live in a close-knit community where people watch out for and take care of one another. For all of which we are grateful and thankful.
The year ahead is going to be a challenging one, one that will test our values and our actions. Our beloved city is challenged in so many ways. We have done our part to help support programs that provide food and services to those who need them. Yes, we can always do more. San Francisco will have new leadership that will hopefully address the manifold challenges that face our embattled city. We are apprehensive about the possibility—or is it the certainty?—of attacks on what differentiates California from an increasing number of other states—attacks on efforts to protect people and the environment. Attacks on our queer, poor, and immigrant communities are intentionally being escalated. Our ability to reach out and protect family and friends will be tested. Because we built this small, vibrant, close-knit community into what it is, we know how to extend our commitment to those who need our help and support.
With these thoughts, we welcome the new year and wish each and every one of you the year that you deserve.
With love, Jessica and Peter
Happy holidays as we welcome the good news about Amanda and wish you and your family the very best in the coming year. With Love!!
Peter, The word 'community' is thrown around carelessly these days, but yours sounds like the real thing. And your comment ties in perfectly with our next newsletter on empathy. Very best to you both in these good days.
Wonderful thoughts to wake up to!
Thank you. That's our hope with this series, to offer that.
Terrific writing inspired by good thoughts - and of course mountains.
Thank you, brother of the word.
"Like recognizing that there is a wisdom in nature that exists beyond my own human thoughts and concerns, that will outlast my lifetime and those of my descendants. To me, that's comforting." 😦😍😍
Speaking of wisdom.
Zanny and Roland,
I was drawn to two moments in your reflections. One was your observation, Zanny, of how mountains exude a "humbling" effect that's "encouraging," the suggestion of "a wisdom in nature that exists beyond my own human thoughts and concerns, that will outlast my lifetime and those of my descendants. To me, that's comforting." The other was your observation, Roland, of the significance of the phrase "hopeful souls" and how it suggests a distinction between the hopeful and the hopeless in our world.
There's a way these moments converge for me, oriented about faith, grace, humility, and redemption. The quote (“On tops of mountains, as everywhere to hopeful souls, it is always morning.") is classic Thoreau, expressing with metaphoric flourish his Transcendental view of nature as humanity's only hope for salvation. If God created nature and humanity in his perfect image, and if humanity has lost its faith, fallen from grace, and abandoned divine perfection, then humanity's only path to salvation is to embrace nature, which is all that remains of perfection.
Converge the moments of your exchange, and Thoreau's quote can be read as expressing this Transcendental paradigm. Hopeful souls are actually faithful souls, who once lost their faith, fell from grace, and abandoned divine perfection, but who now seek redemption and salvation as an act of faith, the restoration of divine perfection, humbly from a divine presence greater than their own. In such an encouraging pursuit, it could only be morning on the tops of the mountains that humble and comfort us, as it could only be morning everywhere for those who pursue. Vintage Thoreau, if read from this eco-theological perspective, one of many possible interpretations.
--Bob
Bob, Zan and I both hoped, in starting this series, that the quotes would inspire a variety of comments. Yours is another angle on the quote, expressed in a way neither of us would have done. What Thoreau did for me--and for millions of others--is to convince me that it's possible to make a good life outside the main cultural stream, to try something different, even if only for a year, as was the case with him. No doubt that year inspired the rest of his days. It inspired me to think: I don't have to live a certain way, just because so many people around me seem to be living that way. I can chart my own course, even if my originality involves only one part of my life and thought. I can be a homeowner, a father and husband and tax-paying citizen, and still find ways to be original and creative in my daily life. For Thoreau, for you, for Zan and me, nature somehow encourages that, is always there to undercut the assumptions of human society: that we have to live a certain way. For me it's like a quiet voice always whispering, "Figure it out yourself."
Hi Zanny and Roland,
What a lovely posting. It inspired me to share something Jessica and I sent to our neighborhood network, people who live on our street and within a few blocks. There are dozens of recipients.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we roll over into the new year, we have a lot to celebrate. Topping the list is our best-ever block party that continued a tradition begun on a very small scale in the summer of 1968 under the banner of the Mullen Avenue Liberation Front. The block party represents the best of what is special about living in a very creative, friendly, and supportive community, one that was built action by action and event by event over fifty-six years. Consider how many of us came together to organize the party in 2024. Then consider that this is the epitome of what it means to live in a close-knit community where people watch out for and take care of one another. For all of which we are grateful and thankful.
The year ahead is going to be a challenging one, one that will test our values and our actions. Our beloved city is challenged in so many ways. We have done our part to help support programs that provide food and services to those who need them. Yes, we can always do more. San Francisco will have new leadership that will hopefully address the manifold challenges that face our embattled city. We are apprehensive about the possibility—or is it the certainty?—of attacks on what differentiates California from an increasing number of other states—attacks on efforts to protect people and the environment. Attacks on our queer, poor, and immigrant communities are intentionally being escalated. Our ability to reach out and protect family and friends will be tested. Because we built this small, vibrant, close-knit community into what it is, we know how to extend our commitment to those who need our help and support.
With these thoughts, we welcome the new year and wish each and every one of you the year that you deserve.
With love, Jessica and Peter
Happy holidays as we welcome the good news about Amanda and wish you and your family the very best in the coming year. With Love!!
Peter, The word 'community' is thrown around carelessly these days, but yours sounds like the real thing. And your comment ties in perfectly with our next newsletter on empathy. Very best to you both in these good days.