Skip to content

Animals Quote by Rick Bass

“[Wild animals], and the beautiful landscapes that sustain them...possess a value and a virtue regardless of our dwindling connection with them. It seems that there is a virtue and a wisdom in keeping some things beyond our reach: that the protection of wilderness itself is imperative... We have…” quote by Rick Bass
Download Open image
““[Wild animals], and the beautiful landscapes that sustain them...possess a value and a virtue regardless of our dwindling connection with them. It seems that there is a virtue and a wisdom in keeping some things beyond our reach: that the protection of wilderness itself is imperative... We have touched, and are consuming, everything. The world is very old, and we are so new. I like the feeling of awe--what the late writer Wallace Stegner called 'the birth of awe'--in beholding wild country not reduced by man. I like to remember that it is wild country that gives rise to wild animals; and that the marvelous specificity of wild animals reminds us to wake up, to let our senses be inflamed by every scent and sound and sight and taste and touch of the world. I like to remember that we are not here forever, and not here alone, and that the respect with which we behold the wild world matters, if anything does.””

Rick Bass

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Wilderness Within” by Rick Bass, 1995

The quote emphasizes the intrinsic value of wild nature and the moral duty to protect it, urging reverence and awe for untouched ecosystems.

In simple terms: Wild nature has its own worth and deserves respect.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate awe and protect wilderness.

Themes

environment ethics awe conservation humility

Mood

reflective inspired serene

Type

philosophical environmental inspirational

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • wildlife photography
  • environmental education
  • policy advocacy
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Ecocentrism deep ecology biophilia

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance development with preserving wilderness?
  • What practices deepen our sense of awe for nature?
A Different Perspective

Human progress often overlooks the need for untouched nature, risking loss of ecological and spiritual benefits.

4.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Rick Bass

Explore all 46 Rick Bass quotes

More Animals quotes

Browse all 6,813 Animals quotes