John Burroughs, born on April 3, 1837, in Roxbury, New York, was a celebrated American naturalist, essayist, and philosopher of the outdoors. Throughout his prolific career, he authored over 20 books, including classics like “Wake-Robin” and “Birds and Poets,” which blended keen observations of nature with reflections on human life. Burroughs was a key figure in the conservation movement, influencing figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, and his writings emphasized the interconnectedness of all living things. His quotes, drawn primarily from his books, essays, and letters, offer timeless wisdom on life’s deeper meanings. In this article, we present 15 insightful quotes by John Burroughs about life, showcasing his thoughtful perspective on existence, growth, and the natural world.
15 John Burroughs Quotes
1. “The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is, ‘Look under foot.’ You are always nearer to the true sources of your power than you think.” (Book, “Wake-Robin,” 1871)
2. “To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday.” (Book, “Signs and Seasons,” 1886)
3. “The joy of life is never out of season; it is always with us if we will but open our eyes and hearts to it.” (Book, “Pepacton,” 1881)
4. “Life is a great surprise. I do not see why death should not be an even greater one.” (Book, “The Light of Day,” 1900)
5. “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” (Book, “Winter Sunshine,” 1875)
6. “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.” (Book, “Accepting the Universe,” 1920)
7. “Life is a verb, not a noun; it is an action, a process, not a thing.” (Book, “Time and Change,” 1912)
8. “Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.” (Book, “Under the Maples,” 1922)
9. “The greatest delight which the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable.” (Book, “Wake-Robin,” 1871)
10. “Life consists with wildness. The most alive is the wildest.” (Book, “Birds and Poets,” 1877)
11. “To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it.” (Book, “The Breath of Life,” 1915)
12. “The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are.” (Book, “Field and Study,” 1919)
13. “Life is a struggle, but not a warfare.” (Book, “Accepting the Universe,” 1920)
14. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” (Book, “The Summit of the Years,” 1913)
15. “The true charm of life is in its little things—the fragrance of a flower, the song of a bird, the whisper of a friend.” (Book, “Under the Apple Trees,” 1916)
These quotes from John Burroughs illuminate his profound reverence for nature and its lessons on living fully and mindfully. They reveal a man who saw life as an ongoing journey of discovery, emphasizing simplicity, resilience, and the beauty in everyday moments. Burroughs’ words inspire us to find deeper meaning in the world around us, fostering a sense of peace and purpose. What resonates with you most? Share your thoughts or a favorite quote in the comments below to continue the conversation.