Why I Owe a Debt to John Muir of the Mountains
In the spring of 2016, during our first family visit to Yosemite National Park, I was introduced to naturalist and environmental philosopher John Muir (1838-1914).
Standing in Tuolomne Grove among ancient and majestic Sequoias, I saw his face and read his words on an outdoor informational sign. In that moment I felt that I must get to know this man better.
Not long after this experience, I was browsing the shelves of a used bookstore and came across a book he wrote. It’s titled Travels in Alaska.
It details his exploratory adventures in southeast Alaska during the late nineteenth century. It’s a glorious book that describes the deep impressions that this land left on him.
Adventures in the Far Northwest Mountains and Arctic Glaciers
If I had previously described myself as having been hooked on learning more about John Muir, I could now be called a rabid fan who simply couldn’t get enough.
If you want a single volume containing many of his writings, check out this eight book collection of Muir’s influential works.
Meet John of the Mountains
In the years since my introduction to“John of the mountains,” as he was sometimes called, I have returned to his writings many times.
Over and over (and over again), I find renewed clarity, guidance, inspiration, and perspective. His stories of astonishing personal endeavors to create national parks and protect wild places have shaped me throughout our extensive RV travels.
I think I have not yet been able to fully comprehend how deeply his works of art have influenced my life.
My most recent addition to my “Muir Library” is Meditations of John Muir: Nature’s Temple, edited by Chris Highland. It’s an absolute treasure.
I purchased the Meditations book during our second trip to Yosemite National Park. It’s the book that inspired me to share with you how Muir influences inspiration and artistry for a love of the natural outdoors.
As a part of repaying my debt to him, it’s only fitting that I introduce him to as many other people as possible and inspire them to help protect the wild places as he did.
I hope you check out one or more of his books. Reading the words of this great pioneer offers a special glimpse into a new view of the natural world.
His was a heart beating for conservation and gentle nature exploration. He was convinced that the separation of humanity, in body and spirit, from the natural world invites harm to both.
Each day, I become more convinced of the same.
How much more separated are we now as a species than when Muir’s concern arose more than 100 years ago? It’s impossible to fathom, but we can feel the truth of that distance in our bones.
Closing that distance is a part of what pulls me forward. It inspires me to write about escaping into nature through RV travels.
My Favorite Muir Quotes
There are many dozen Muir quotes that I think of as I wrap up this introductory post. In my opinion, the quote which sums up his very purpose on our planet better than any other.
I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature’s loveliness.
Here are a few other wonderful quotes from the renowned naturalist:
Although this is only a short snippet, an introduction per se, to John Muir, I hope you are inspired to open one of his books and then go about seeking, exploring, and being in nature in a new way.
And if I’m just writing this article for myself, I think it is still worth it.
Stay inspired to live a life outdoors, my friends.
Todd loves a competitive game of table tennis, a breathtaking hike, and exploring new places. He lived and traveled in an RV with his family as they traveled throughout much of the US and parts of Canada. Todd has extensive knowledge about RV travel, safety, and accessories and has shared many of his stories here on TREKKN. When he’s not busy launching and building small businesses, you may find him staring at pictures of Glacier National Park (probably his favorite spot on earth).