The Contemplative John Muir: Spiritual Quotations from the Great American Naturalist

John Muir is best known for his work in preserving the great natural areas of America. What is not commonly known is that he was also a great contemplative thinker - a sort of “wilderness mystic” – one who experienced union with the Divine through contact with the great natural areas of the Western U.S. Muir's preservation efforts were motivated in large part by his experience of the spiritual dimension of Nature. It was Muir's earthy mysticism that motivated him to work so diligently for the preservation of wild places, which he viewed as “God’s First Temples." This book is a sort of "bible" of Muir quotations related to a vibrant and ecstatic spirituality of Nature. It includes a new selection of never-before published selections from original journals contained in the John Muir Papers, as well as passages from his published works. These writings inspire joy and tranquility in our era of depression and stress. Anyone interested in experiencing a deeper communion with Nature will find this book invaluable.