I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river…
“I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river is a strong brown god-sullen, untamed and intractable, Patient to some degree, at first recognized as a frontier; Useful, untrustworthy, as a conveyor of commerce; Then only a problem confronting the builder of bridges. The problem once solved, the brown god is almost forgotten By the dwellers in cities-ever, however, implacable. Keeping his seasons, and rages, destroyer, reminder Of what men choose to forget. Unhonored, unpropitiated By worshippers of the machine, but waiting, watching and waiting.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The river is portrayed as a powerful, unpredictable force that humanity tries to control, yet it remains indifferent and can destroy those who ignore its power.
In simple terms: Rivers are strong and untamed, often forgotten after we tame them.
Key Takeaway
Respect nature’s power and plan for its impact.
Themes
nature
humanity
control
environment
hubris
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- infrastructure projects
- environmental policy
- community resilience
Key Concepts
ecology
mythology
anthropocentrism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance development with natural forces?
- What lessons can we learn from past river engineering failures?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring natural forces leads to disaster.