A farmer, as one of his farmer correspondents once wrote…
““A farmer, as one of his farmer correspondents once wrote to Liberty Hyde Bailey, is “a dispenser of the ‘Mysteries of God.’” The mothering instinct of animals, for example, is a mystery that husbandry must use and trust mostly without understanding. The husband, unlike the “manager” or the would-be objective scientist, belongs inherently to the complexity and the mystery that is to be husbanded, and so the husbanding mind is both careful and humble. Husbandry originates precautionary sayings like “Don’t put all your eggs into one basket” and “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” It does not boast of technological feats that will “feed the world.” Husbandry,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Farmers act as humble stewards of nature’s mysteries, relying on precaution and humility rather than technological boastfulness.
In simple terms: Farmers care for nature with humility and caution.
Key Takeaway
Value humility and precaution in stewardship.
Themes
stewardship
humility
nature
Mood
reflective
respectful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- farming practices
- environmental ethics
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
agriculture
philosophy of care
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance technology with humility?
- What lessons do farmers teach us?
A Different Perspective
Modern tech may overlook traditional wisdom.