Wendell Berry: 'I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.'

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

In his contemplative poem, Wendell Berry invites us to find solace in the tranquility of wild things. The quote, "I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free," encapsulates the profound wisdom of finding respite in the embrace of nature. Berry suggests that by observing and immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can temporarily escape the burdens of worries and anxieties that often accompany our human existence. This poignant sentiment serves as a powerful reminder that the wild things, uninhibited by the burdens of anticipation, are able to savor the present moment effortlessly.Central to this quote is the idea that humans often burden themselves with concerns about the future, preoccupying their lives with forethought of grief. This propensity for worry has become characteristic of our modern society, where the fast-paced nature of our lives often leaves little room for relaxation or inner peace. Berry reminds us that nature's creatures, on the other hand, do not bear this emotional weight. They navigate their lives in harmony with their surroundings, attuned to the natural rhythms and cycles that sustain them. By acknowledging the unburdened existence of wild things, Berry beckons us to pause and reevaluate the sources of our own anxieties.However, in contemplating this quote, a philosophical concept known as existentialism emerges, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue. Existentialism posits that human beings are ultimately responsible for their own existence, and it is through this responsibility that we find true freedom. While Berry's words seem antithetical to this philosophy at first glance, the contrast between the peace of wild things and our existential burden offers a fascinating perspective.Existentialism teaches us that the forethought of grief and anxiety that plagues human existence is a result of our heightened self-awareness and consciousness. We possess the ability to contemplate our mortality and the uncertainties of life, and it is precisely this awareness that separates us from the wild things Berry describes. In understanding this contrast, we can come to appreciate the delicate balance that exists between the wild and the human.Therefore, it is not necessarily the absence of forethought that brings freedom, but rather our ability to embrace and transcend the worries that beset us. Existentialist thinkers argue that by accepting and taking responsibility for our anxieties and fears, we become able to live authentically, seizing the opportunities that life presents to us. In doing so, we can find the same sense of freedom and grace that Berry describes when he rests in the peace of the wild things.Ultimately, Wendell Berry's evocative quote encourages us to seek solace in the presence of wild things and discover the freedom that can be obtained when we shed the unnecessary burdens of our forethoughts. It reminds us to immerse ourselves in nature, where we may momentarily escape the weight of our worries and find respite in the rhythms of the world. Simultaneously, the presence of existentialism in this discourse reminds us that our worries and anxieties are a testament to our self-awareness and, in a way, a part of what makes us human. By recognizing this duality, we can seek harmony between our existential burden and the freedom that comes from connecting with the wild things, mirroring the delicate balance found in the natural world itself.In conclusion, Wendell Berry's reflective words offer a poignant reminder of the importance of finding peace and freedom in nature. The contrast between the wild things and our own existential burdens serves as both a source of contemplation and a call to live authentically. By embracing our anxieties and connecting with the grace of the world, we can gain a profound understanding of the interplay between peace and responsibility, ultimately allowing us to find solace in the present moment and the tranquility of wild things.