Nature-Emerson

"The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence."

This line means that in order to truly have a connection with nature, one must make himself accessible. No matter how hard he tries, he will never be able to reach the stars. However, if he opens himself to them, they will reach for him. This is true of all components of nature, but today, man no longer has the desire or the care to be a part of the natural world. Man lives artificially; his clothing is synthetic, he lives in climate-controlled boxes, and no longer even has to walk anywhere if he doesn't want to. He is not open to nature because in the modern world, this is no longer necessary. The path to understanding nature is not to scientifically analyze it for its worth; one must simply open himself to it, and allow himself to become family.

"Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child."

This means that as we grow older, we lose the desire to connect with the natural world. As children, we have not yet been conditioned to reside strictly within or fake, synthetic boxes, and instead feel open and comfortable with nature. Because the children are more open to it, they have made themselves accessible. They are ready to experience nature's influence. I actually see this today. If you look outside at the park on a beautiful summer day, I see little kids bouncing around, just happy to be outside playing. Their parent sits to the side reading a book or the newspaper. I recently saw a survey that said one of teenager's biggest criticisms of their parents was their disregard for "going green"-type things, and a piece of me wonders if this is the reason why.