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To few men was it given to realize so completely the elements of eternity- of time-effacing enjoyment in work- as it was to John Muir. The secret of it all was in his soul, the soul of a child, of a poet, and of a strong man, all blended into one. An innate nobility of character, an unstudied reverence for all that is sublime in nature or in life, unconsciously called forth the best in his friends and acquaintances. In the spiritual as in the physical realm flowers blossomed in his footsteps where he went. After all it is to such men as John Muir that we must look for the sustenance of those finer feelings that keep men in touch with the spiritual meaning and beauty of the universe, and make them capable of understanding those rare souls whose insight has invested life with imperishable hope and charm. To all who knew John Muir intimately his gentleness and humaneness toward all creatures that shared the world with him, was one of the finest attributes of his character... Among those who have won title to remembrance as prophets and interpreters of nature he rises to a moral as well as poetical altitude that will command the admiring attention of men so long as human records shall endure.

John Muir#88

NatureCharacterInspirationJohn muir

About this quote

What does it mean?
Muir combined childlike wonder, poetic soul, and strength to inspire spiritual connection in others.
In plain terms
He was a noble man whose character helped others appreciate life and nature.
What can you take from it?
Cultivate humility and reverence to inspire others.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • friendship
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • practice reverence
  • connect with nature

Questions to consider

  • What qualities make a person spiritually uplifting?
  • How does nature influence your character?

Another view

Not everyone possesses such a blend of traits naturally.

More from John Muir

  1. His simplicity was his power. He knew nature as no one else did... His affection for the commonplace little pine-needle was as genuine as that for the most bea…

    Permalink to quote #87
  2. Never have I met another man of such singleness of mind in his devotion to nature as Muir. He lived and moved and had his being as a devotee. Of himself he too…

    Permalink to quote #86
  3. The impression of his personality was so strong on those who knew him that all words seem cheap beside it. Those who never knew him can never, through any word…

    Permalink to quote #85

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