Emily Dickinson: 'I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.'

I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.

Emily Dickinson's quote, "I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven," may initially appear simple and whimsical, but it holds a deeper meaning that encourages us to ponder the significance of our relationship with nature. At first glance, Dickinson seems to suggest that by loving and appreciating birds, we can find fulfillment and joy without the need to seek heaven or transcendental experiences. However, beneath the surface, there is an unexpected philosophical concept that emerges – the idea that by appreciating the world around us, including its smallest inhabitants, we can attain a sense of transcendence in our own lives.The straightforward interpretation of Dickinson's quote suggests that loving birds can be seen as a cost-effective alternative to seeking heavenly or otherworldly realms. In a practical sense, birds, with their exquisite feathers, melodious songs, and awe-inspiring flights, provide us with a glimpse of beauty that surpasses any material wealth. By cherishing these creatures, we tap into a source of wonder that can bring happiness and nourishment to our daily lives.Yet, beyond this surface-level understanding, Dickinson hints at a broader philosophical notion. The act of loving birds, or any form of appreciation for nature, can be seen as a means of connecting with the transcendent. This concept challenges traditional notions of spirituality and prompts us to consider whether seeking the divine solely through religious means is the only path to enlightenment.If we take Dickinson's words to heart, they invite us to recognize the divine in the ordinary, to discover profound meaning in the world that surrounds us. By cultivating a deep appreciation for the avian realm, we open ourselves to a broader understanding of existence and to the possibility of finding our own personal heaven here on Earth. This perspective questions the dichotomy between the earthly and the heavenly and invites us to consider whether heaven is an abstract destination or a state of being that we can experience in the present moment.Comparing and contrasting religious conceptions of heaven with Dickinson's viewpoint, we find surprising similarities in their ultimate messages. Most religions speak of heaven as a place of eternal bliss, where we can find solace and fulfillment. The idea that loving birds can offer a similar sense of serenity aligns with the notion that heaven is not solely a far-off destination, but something that can be accessed through our interactions with the natural world.However, while religious traditions often offer guidelines or tenets that followers must adhere to in order to attain heavenly rewards, Dickinson presents a more accessible alternative. By encouraging us to embrace the beauty of birds, she suggests that we can experience heaven simply through acts of observation, love, and appreciation. This notion challenges preconceived ideas of what it means to seek transcendence and provides a fresh perspective on the source of true fulfillment in life.In summary, Emily Dickinson's quote, "I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven," carries a dual message. On one level, it highlights the joy and wonder that can be found in the world of birds, offering a reminder of the importance of appreciating the natural world around us. Simultaneously, it challenges conventional notions of seeking heaven by suggesting that through our love for and connection with nature, we can experience a sense of transcendence and fulfillment. Ultimately, Dickinson invites us to explore the possibility of finding our own personal heaven, without the need for an otherworldly realm, but instead by finding beauty, wonder, and peace in the world we inhabit.