“People have traditionally turned to ritual to help them frame and acknowledge and ultimately even find joy in just such a paradox of being human - in the fact that so much of what we desire for our happiness and need for our survival comes at a heavy cost. We kill to eat, we cut down trees to build our homes, we exploit other people and the earth. Sacrifice - of nature, of the interests of others, even of our earlier selves - appears to be an inescapable part of our condition, the unavoidable price of all our achievements. A successful ritual is one that addresses both aspects of our predicament, recalling us to the shamefulness of our deeds at the same time it celebrates what the poet Frederick Turner calls "the beauty we have paid for with our shame." Without the double awareness pricked by such rituals, people are liable to find themselves either plundering the earth without restraint or descending into self-loathing and misanthropy. Perhaps it's not surprising that most of us today bring one of those attitudes or the other to our conduct in nature.”
Quote by Michael Pollan
Work
In A Place of My Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder, the author shares their personal story of transforming a piece of land into a home. The book delves into the author's experiences, from the initial design phase to the construction process, highlighting the lessons learned and the growth that comes with building one's own space. It provides a unique perspective on the art and science of home building, offering readers a glimpse into the life of an amateur builder and the satisfaction that comes from creating a place of one's own. more
Author
Michael Pollan is an American author renowned for his insightful views on food, agriculture, and culture. His work explores the impact of the modern food industry on health, the environment, and society, as well as the necessity of sustainable food systems. more
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“Human looks sure on face, while the earth lost in space.”