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About this quote

What does it mean?
Without human friends, the speaker found connection with nature, treating objects as companions who shared their inner feelings.
In plain terms
Nature became a friend and confidant when human companions were absent.
What can you take from it?
Seek connection in nature when human connection is unavailable.

Where it applies

  • childhood isolation
  • time in nature
  • lack of peers

Putting it to work

  • nature journaling
  • solitary walks
  • mindful observation

Questions to consider

  • How does nature comfort you when people cannot?
  • What did you share with the natural world as a child?

Another view

Anthropomorphizing nature can distract from addressing human causes of loneliness.

More from Jan Christiaan Smuts

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