Sunday 8 February 2015

Thomas Cole - Essay on American Scenery

 ‘We are still in Eden; the wall that shuts us out of the garden is our ignorance and folly’

 
This weeks Green Thought comes from the 1835 ‘Essay on American Scenery’ by the american artist Thomas Cole [1801 – 1848],founder of the Hudson River School of art  known for its romantic yet realistic portrayal of American landscape and wilderness.
 

2 comments:

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  2. Spot on!!!

    In fact that is what the first part of the book of Genesis is all about. It a myth about how our false knowledge cuts us off from the natural world of Eden (creation) - the original sin for which we are all tainted.

    As a result of our ignorance we are ALL, like Cain (who bears the mark of ignorance), dwelling East Of Eden - The Land Of Nod - (the sleep of ignorance). Hence also the origins of the 'Brotherhood of Nod' ie those who bear the 'Mark of Cain'.

    Our purpose in life is to reconnect with Nature.

    hmm...Maybe I am being too theological here.

    Damon

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