John Muir
died 1914
John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, and environmental philosopher known as the "Father of the National Parks." He was instrumental in the establishment of the national parks system in the United States and advocated for the preservation of wilderness areas and the protection of natural resources. His writings on nature and conservation continue to inspire environmentalists and nature lovers.
I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can".