Aldo Leopold's "Thinking Like a Mountain"
If you know nothing about Aldo Leopold, you might take the time to look over a few links on the internet such as this site, where you will find links to his biography and other interesting information about this engaging personality.
Known as the father of modern ecology, Leopold wrote the now famous memoir, A Sand County Almanac, which remains in publication and very popular, and from which our essay comes--the publication of the book included numerous memoirs other than the year the Almanac covers.
A couple summers ago, I visited the Aldo Leopold Center not far from Madison along the Wisconsin River and took photographs of this beautiful area, including the famous shack in which he wrote much of the Sand County Almanac.
At any rate, the piece you will read, a memoir, becomes more and more quoted, as its focus falls on an animal that has become for many the symbol of wilderness, the wolf.
As you read the essay, note how the author characterizes himself.
He writes of the past and comments on his previous actions: note, then, the difference between the experienced narrator and the experiencing protagonist: the difference between them emphasizes the conflict. That is to say, Leopold looks back on an experience; however, the significance for him has changed.
You will find a similar dynamic in force in Brent Spencer's short story: what does the narrator learn by the end that he did not know in the beginning of the story?
Read Leopold carefully, for his plot is very sophisticated- -as is the conflict. And he has a strong message: he will mute the "I" to help emphasize the idea.
Consider, for example, when the "I" first enters the narrative, for Leopold uses various methods to emphasize the experience at hand, a significance that goes far beyond his personal revelations connected with these actions in the past and their continued impact for everyone in the present in which he writes.
And look, too, at the use of figural language: do mountains think? What message does he convey? And how does the poetic language help him reinforce the central theme?
As I noted, the essay is very sophisticated. And as you read, pay close attention to how Leopold manages to capture the spirit of his former self. What has changed?
By the way, Leopold eventually took a job at the University of Wisconsin, where he achieved considerable fame and a great deal of influence, especially over wildlife management: he was also an avid hunter.
You might also enjoy these excerpts from his other and many nature-related work.
Enjoy the essay.
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