In The Creation, E.O. Wilson discusses the "ascent to nature" and its value in helping us understand the proper role that humans play in the biosphere. He states that, "To be a naturalist is not just an activity but a noble state of mind. Those who have expressed its value and protected living Nature are among America's heroes: John James Audubon, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, William Beebe, Aldo Leopold, and Rachel Carson."
Clearing Winter Storm by Ansel Adams has long been a favorite of environmentalists because of its majestic natural beauty and its strong sense of foreboding. This image captures perfectly the inspirational, sometimes magical quality of Adams' work. The clouds are ominous and low with brilliant swaths of sunshine. You can almost feel the cold and moisture in the air and the swirling atmospherics.
As humans continue to design our pyramids of sustainability and build the steps toward our ascent, we have visual markers like the work of Adams to help guide us on our aspirational journey.
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