Heart to the Wilderness

Nature Cure

◤Life is not a track, but a field◢
★Recommended books for the 18th Wenjin Book Award★
◈Britain's greatest contemporary nature writer - The Times
◈ Another heartwarming masterpiece by Richard Mabey, author of "The Story of Weeds," shortlisted for the three major British literary awards ◈ Recommended by Liu Huajie, professor at Peking University and advocate of natural history culture ◈ Sincerely recommended by Alai, Yin Chuanhong, Zhang Jinshuo, Ouyang Ting, and Liu Zichao ✲
Richard Maybee, a prominent British nature writer and naturalist, was at the peak of his career when he suddenly suffered a severe depression. With the help of friends, he moved to East Anglia. The vast and vibrant wilderness gave him a new perspective and enlightenment, awakening his love and passion for nature, long suppressed by illness.
He lived in an oak cabin with his cat as his companion. He hiked, bird-watched, and explored exotic plants and animals. In his fifties, he met his life partner, Polly. With her encouragement, he returned to writing. Everything came alive again in his eyes, and he escaped depression and reconnected with nature. He observed attentively, respecting and revering every living thing, and pondered the boundaries between culture and nature, and how humans and nature should coexist. Mabey's writing embodies William Blake's poem: "In a grain of sand, I see the world."
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Seeking peace in nature and soothing wounds through empathy with it are universal human traits. However, the Eastern approach is aesthetic, immersing oneself in the beauty of nature and observing from the sidelines rather than engaging in specific observation or intervention. Westerners, in addition to aesthetics, incorporate a scientific perspective, observing natural objects in detail and in detail, deepening their understanding of life through deep engagement, thus developing a genre of nature literature. "Heart to the Wilderness" is a remarkable achievement of this literary approach. By presenting the magnificent beauty of nature through observation, the author also heals himself physically and mentally through the perception and resonance of this unique vitality, thereby practicing a true form of environmentalism.
— Renowned writer Alai: People come from the Earth (Gaia), not Mars. As a member of Homo sapiens, what is my relationship with the world, and what should it be? "Heart to the Wilderness" offers a possibility. This type of work doesn't force acceptance on the reader, nor does it strongly suggest that this way of living (which I call "naturalistic living," a phrase I coined in English, "living as a naturalist") is inherently desirable. But it certainly reliably suggests that this is possible. This ancient way of living may hold some inspiration for us. I can confidently say that observing nature improves our mood, and thus our health.
Liu Huajie, Professor of Philosophy at Peking University and advocate of natural history. Mabey, once known for his writing about the botanical culture and natural history behind trees and weeds, now candidly reveals his life's hardships in "Heart to the Wild," revealing his inner sensitivity, vulnerability, and tenderness. However, this book is more than just autobiography. During his struggle with depression, he diligently engaged with nature, rekindling his observation and writing. It was his in-depth exploration and understanding of wetland ecosystems, his concern for these wild and poetic creatures, and his ongoing reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, the value and meaning of wilderness, that provided him with inspiration and support, helped him overcome anxiety, and reshape his life. While depression may not be completely "cured," continued engagement with nature and inner peace offer a way out. This, perhaps, embodies the rich and profound meaning of Thoreau's words, "The wilderness holds within it the salvation of the world."
—Ouyang Ting, nature writer and author of the collection of nature essays "A Tree in the North"
In this book, Maybee recounts his journey from severe depression to his rediscovery of his love for nature and eventual recovery. His recollections are remarkable and selfless. He has much to say about the relationship between humans and nature. His writing is heartwarming and full of wisdom.
— Whitbread Biography Prize, judges' comments: "A book of exquisite observation. I can't think of anyone who can compare with Mabey in terms of nature writing."
—The Sunday Times
Maeby is a master at combining sharp analysis, rich emotion, and artistic taste through meticulous observation. We can empathize with Maeby's joy, initially eager to try, and then becoming as brave as the young swallow he sets free.
—The Sunday Telegraph
There are love poems, prose, and drama. "Heart to the Wilderness" is a must-read book, worthy of careful savoring, rereading, and gratitude.
—Welsh Nature Magazine
The book contains both autobiographical sections and reflections on the relationship between nature and culture. Mabe understands that beautiful writing requires focus, not complexity. He still experiences a childlike joy in nature, and through this, he guides readers to appreciate the beauty of paradise.
—The Daily Telegraph

2022-11-01

人民文学出版社

328

9787020175208