“The real threat to us in the coming millennium lies… in our growing emotional and intellectual detachment from [nature].”
—page 71
During an interview with Diane Ackerman about her forthcoming book, One Hundred Names for Love, she explained, “All of my books are about nature and human nature, but especially about the intersection where they meet and can throw light on each other. Because there really is no distinction: Everything is nature.”
From there, the conversation turned to the “real threat” passage in The Tree. Here’s Ackerman’s response.
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I just read The Tree for the first time tonight. I was very moved, touched, enlightened, inspired, disturbed , and depressed as it took me along. Such a book it is with stimulating images. Provoking and dynamic for me.. It should be a required read for students. As a painter in love with all things nature, I shall forever strive to bring nature and her importance to the eyes of all. I will read it again and perhaps again! Thank you Mr. Fowles
Esther