Farmers Quote by Wendell Berry
““Some of the most memorable, and least regrettable, nights of my own youth were spent in coon hunting with farmers. There is no denying that these activities contributed to the economy of farm households, but a further fact is that they were pleasures; they were wilderness pleasures, not greatly different from the pleasures pursued by conservationists and wilderness lovers. As I was always aware, my friends the coon hunters were not motivated just by the wish to tree coons and listen to hounds and listen to each other, all of which were sufficiently attractive; they were coon hunters also because they wanted to be afoot in the woods at night. Most of the farmers I have known, and certainly the most interesting ones, have had the capacity to ramble about outdoors for the mere happiness of it, alert to the doings of the creatures, amused by the sight of a fox catching grasshoppers, or by the puzzle of wild tracks in the snow.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Joy of Hunting” by Wendell Berry, 1975
The quote reflects on how hunting and outdoor pursuits provide deep, intrinsic joy and connection to nature, similar to the pleasures of conservationists.
In simple terms: Hunting offers a profound, natural joy.
Key Takeaway
Seek nature’s simple pleasures.
Themes
nature
joy
tradition
outdoors
connection
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- Rural life
- family traditions
- conservation education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Ecology
human-nature relationship
leisure
cultural heritage
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal joy align with ecological stewardship?
- What modern activities replicate this wilderness pleasure?
A Different Perspective
May overlook modern ethical concerns about wildlife.
