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Another time Quote by John Steinbeck

“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which…” quote by John Steinbeck
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““The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time. They have the mystery of ferns that disappeared a million years ago into the coal of the carboniferous era. They carry their own light and shade. The vainest, most slap-happy and irreverent of men, in the presence of redwoods, goes under a spell of wonder and respect. Respect--that's the word. One feels the need to bow to unquestioned sovereigns. I have known these great ones since my earliest childhood, have lived among them, camped and slept against their warm monster bodies, and no amount of association has bred contempt in me.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Redwoods, John Steinbeck, 1960

Redwood trees inspire profound awe, humility, and a timeless sense of respect that transcends ordinary experience.

In simple terms: Redwoods evoke deep respect and wonder.

Key Takeaway

Allow nature to humble you.

Themes

nature humility wonder

Mood

awe reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical inspirational nature‑focused

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • camping
  • forest photography
  • meditation
  • environmental education

Key Concepts

transcendence timelessness environmental reverence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does encountering ancient nature change your perspective?
  • What responsibilities arise from feeling reverence?
A Different Perspective

Redwoods may be romanticized, overlooking ecological threats they face.

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