“But, beyond that, I also hope that my writing helps readers connect with nature. In a time of climate crisis and environmental destruction, we need to better understand our connection to the natural world, its fragility, our fragility, the fact that human suffering is no different from nonhuman suffering, and we are inflicting so much suffering across the globe.” This was my favorite part of the interview. As someone who adores your writing, Rebecca, I can see just this in it. Your pieces from your time with the monkeys and the birds you’ve studied live in me. I’ve told others the stories you’ve told as examples of just that—that human and nonhuman suffering are the same. So your intention is paving your way beautifully.
Thank you for the shoutout. To shine a light on hope is among my writing goals. So what a delight to hear this.
And I know what you mean by sharing this planet at the same time with the particular iterations of humans whose words speak to your heart giving you the warm fuzzies!!
Reading this, Holly, I had the thought that a large part of our human suffering is *because* of the suffering of other beings — whether we’re aware of it or not. A cycle, but not a virtuous one. (It does point to a way out, though. Care, compassion, connection.)
Right?! It’s a version of collaborative work. (I’m currently at a writing conference and have attended three super interesting sessions on collaborative work—which has so many ideas blossoming in my noggin.)
What a precious memory to have Rebecca, of those baby thrushes, and their trust in you both. I love the partnership between your scientific knowledge and your eloquence as a watcher and wonderer. Perhaps evolutionary biology should be a compulsory subject so more of us regain our perspective. Thank you for the kind mention too.
Rebecca is one-of-a-kind. Her voice, the way her selfhood blurs and blends with the natural world, the gentle but unforgettable wisdom she offers her readers—I will be reading Rebecca for as long as she’s writing. What an honor (and surprise) to read that I might be a source of inspiration for her over here too. Thank you dear Rebecca for the kind mention. 💛
And what a necessary, expansive moment for her young self to grasp!:
“It’s the first time I think I really understood that not only do we have the power to deeply connect to the natural world, but also the power to nurture and protect it.”
“But, beyond that, I also hope that my writing helps readers connect with nature. In a time of climate crisis and environmental destruction, we need to better understand our connection to the natural world, its fragility, our fragility, the fact that human suffering is no different from nonhuman suffering, and we are inflicting so much suffering across the globe.” This was my favorite part of the interview. As someone who adores your writing, Rebecca, I can see just this in it. Your pieces from your time with the monkeys and the birds you’ve studied live in me. I’ve told others the stories you’ve told as examples of just that—that human and nonhuman suffering are the same. So your intention is paving your way beautifully.
Thank you for the shoutout. To shine a light on hope is among my writing goals. So what a delight to hear this.
And I know what you mean by sharing this planet at the same time with the particular iterations of humans whose words speak to your heart giving you the warm fuzzies!!
Reading this, Holly, I had the thought that a large part of our human suffering is *because* of the suffering of other beings — whether we’re aware of it or not. A cycle, but not a virtuous one. (It does point to a way out, though. Care, compassion, connection.)
Such a good point , Julie. A cycle that needs to be broken.
Love when these exchanges lead to insights. Or reminders.
Right?! It’s a version of collaborative work. (I’m currently at a writing conference and have attended three super interesting sessions on collaborative work—which has so many ideas blossoming in my noggin.)
Oooo sounds juicy!
What a precious memory to have Rebecca, of those baby thrushes, and their trust in you both. I love the partnership between your scientific knowledge and your eloquence as a watcher and wonderer. Perhaps evolutionary biology should be a compulsory subject so more of us regain our perspective. Thank you for the kind mention too.
Well said, Michela. “Watcher and wondered,” indeed.
Rebecca is one-of-a-kind. Her voice, the way her selfhood blurs and blends with the natural world, the gentle but unforgettable wisdom she offers her readers—I will be reading Rebecca for as long as she’s writing. What an honor (and surprise) to read that I might be a source of inspiration for her over here too. Thank you dear Rebecca for the kind mention. 💛
And what a necessary, expansive moment for her young self to grasp!:
“It’s the first time I think I really understood that not only do we have the power to deeply connect to the natural world, but also the power to nurture and protect it.”
I heartily agree! Her writing is special, magical. It puts me in a trance.