John Muir, nature man of Yosemite
You can’t argue with such simplicity. His story/quotes seems so timely, don’t forget his beliefs and idealism came with practical advice to the Federal Government. LA Times did a small feature on him here.
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
Another great quote:
But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life. Some lean back in majestic repose; others, absolutely sheer or nearly so for thousands of feet, advance beyond their companions in thoughtful attitudes, giving welcome to storms and calms alike, seemingly aware, yet heedless, of everything going on about them. Awful in stern, immovable majesty, how softly these rocks are adorned, and how fine and reassuring the company they keep: their feet among beautiful groves and meadows, their brows in the sky, a thousand flowers leaning confidently against their feet, bathed in floods of water, floods of light….
President Theodore Roosevelt (left) and John Muir had long talks about conservation while camping together at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, 1903. Roosevelt galvanized Progressive conservation and Muir galvanized the preservation movement. Their meeting of the minds symbolizes the environmental leadership the 21st century will increasingly ask of the National Park Service. (Library of Congress photo).
In 1890 Muir published two articles in a leading magazine calling for the preservation of the Sierra mountains around the Yosemite Valley as a national park like Yellowstone, only Muir explicitly said the goal was to preserve wilderness. A bill was quickly passed and signed.
In 1892 Muir founded the Sierra Club