Summary of What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017

Dive into Wendell Berry's 'What I Stand On' for profound essays that challenge you to reconnect with nature and your community.

Welcome to the delightful world of \What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017\, where the profound meets the pastoral, and the only thing more abundant than the wisdom spilling out of these pages is the amount of coffee you'll need to get through it. This boxed set is like a fancy cheese platter of essays, offering a delectable sampling of Berry's thoughts from 1969 to 2017. Buckle up, folks; it's going to be an enlightening ride!

Wendell Berry, a stalwart of environmentalism and rural living, showcases his determination to fight against the corporate giants and urban sprawl that threaten to dominate the American landscape. If you're into essays that make you question your existence and maybe even shed a tear or two for the loss of good ol' American farmland, you're in luck!

First up, we have the theme of the land. Berry has an undeniable affection for the countryside, which he gently caresses with his words like a musician with a beloved guitar. He argues that the land is not just something to exploit for profits but rather a cherished companion with whom humans should coexist harmoniously. Take note, dear city dwellers: your concrete jungle might just need a little countryside therapy!

Next, let's talk about community, one of Berry's favorite soapboxes. He champions localism and the importance of knowing your neighbors, which might be something we all could try in this modern world of social media faux connections. According to Berry, building a thriving community is like planting a vegetable garden-sometimes, you have to dig a little dirt to get to the good stuff!

But wait, there's more! Zen and the art of agriculture appear in Berry's musings. He eloquently argues that farming isn't just a job; it's a holistic lifestyle choice that harmonizes with nature. Who needs mindfulness retreats when you can just dig your hands in the dirt? The man clearly has a way of pulling you in to appreciate the sweat, toil, and occasional back pain that comes with getting closer to the earth.

Then there's the inevitable dive into the murky waters of capitalism. Spoiler alert: he's not a fan. Berry serves up critiques of industrial farming and the environmental disasters they bring, all while melancholically reflecting on the loss of agrarian values. It's like watching your favorite suburban neighborhood turn into a strip mall-you just want to weep for all the lost moments of innocent joy in orchards and fields.

Also, sprinkled throughout these essays are anecdotes and reflections that make you feel like you're sitting on the porch with your wise, bearded grandpa. Berry's ability to weave personal stories with broader themes is nothing short of magic. He makes you feel as though you've undertaken a profound journey - without having to leave your cozy chair (or your nearby stash of snacks).

So what about the overall message? Berry stresses the importance of living thoughtfully and minimally, urging us to reconnect with the natural world rather than endlessly chase after the latest iPhone or fancy latte. It's a clarion call to slow down and appreciate the simple things-like home-cooked meals and family gatherings, rather than the latest TikTok dance.

To sum up, \What I Stand On\ is a treasure trove of essays that challenge you to think deeply about your place in the world, encouraging you to reconnect with the earth and your community. Just remember to bring some tissues for all the feels and perhaps a shovel for the impromptu gardening session Berry might inspire once you've read all of his wisdom. Good luck finding that buried treasure in the backyard, and may the spirit of Wendell Berry guide you!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.