Five fingers Quote by Gary Snyder
““I have a friend who feels sometimes that the world is hostile to human life--he says it chills us and kills us. But how could we be were it not for this planet that provided our very shape? Two conditions--gravity and a livable temperature range between freezing and boiling--have given us fluids and flesh. The trees we climb and the ground we walk on have given us five fingers and toes. The "place" (from the root plat, broad, spreading, flat) gave us far-seeing eyes, the streams and breezes gave us versatile tongues and whorly ears. The land gave us a stride, and the lake a dive. The amazement gave us our kind of mind. We should be thankful for that, and take nature's stricter lessons with some grace.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Earth’s Gifts,” 1970s, environmental reflection
Human existence depends on planetary conditions; gratitude and humility toward nature are essential.
In simple terms: We owe our life to Earth's conditions.
Key Takeaway
Practice gratitude and respect for nature.
Themes
environment
gratitude
humility
Mood
reverent
thoughtful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- outdoor activities
- sustainable living
- education programs
Key Concepts
ecology
philosophy of nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does nature shape your identity?
- What lessons can you learn from Earth’s limits?
A Different Perspective
May overlook human agency.
![“But if you do know what is taught by plants and weather, you are in on the gossip and can feel truly at home. The sum of a field's forces [become] what we call very loosely the 'spirit of the place.' To know the spirit of a place is to realize that you are a part of a part and that the whole is…” quote by Gary Snyder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af3/gary-snyder-4502_feels_but-if-you-do-know-what-is-taught-by-pla_256516.jpg)
