The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life.… The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds—how many human aspirations are realised in their free, holiday-lives—and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!

About John Burroughs

John Burroughs (April 3, 1837 – March 29, 1921) was an American naturalist and nature essayist, active in the conservation movement in the United States. The first of his essay collections was Wake-Robin in 1871.

More quotations from John Burroughs

The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is 'look under foot.' You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think.

—John Burroughs

The secret of happiness is something to do.

—John Burroughs

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

—John Burroughs

nature healing wilderness

The tendinous part of the mind, so to speak, is more developed in winter; the fleshy, in summer. I should say winter had given the bone and sinew to literature, summer the tissues and the blood.

—John Burroughs

winter

It is always easier to believe than to deny. Our minds are naturally affirmative.

—John Burroughs

mind belief denial

More quotations tagged with “birds”

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.

—Jacques Deval

birds

Those little nimble musicians of the air, that warble forth their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art.

—Izaak Walton

birds

Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

—Henry Van Dyke

birds

The moment a little boy is concerned with which is a jay and which is a sparrow, he can no longer see the birds or hear them sing.

—Eric Berne

birds

I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.

—Emily Dickinson

birds

History

11 Jul 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. . . . The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realised in their free, holiday-lives -- and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!