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The rocks are not so close akin to us as the soil; they…

“The rocks are not so close akin to us as the soil; they are one more remove from us; but they lie back of all, and are the final source of all. ... Time, geologic time, looks out at us from the rocks as from no other objects in the landscape.” quote by John Burroughs
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“The rocks are not so close akin to us as the soil; they are one more remove from us; but they lie back of all, and are the final source of all. ... Time, geologic time, looks out at us from the rocks as from no other objects in the landscape.”

John Burroughs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Rocks, distant and ancient, are the ultimate source of all things, offering a timeless perspective.

In simple terms: Rocks are the ancient source of everything.

Key Takeaway

Respect deep time and natural foundations.

Themes

nature time origin

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

nature philosophical

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • environmental study
  • conservation

Key Concepts

geology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can we learn from geological time?
  • How does this view affect environmental stewardship?
A Different Perspective

Rocks are static, not actively influencing present events.

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