In simple terms, the statement reflects a personal sentiment where the speaker expresses a stronger emotional connection to rocks than an academic or scientific interest in them. This implies that while they may admire and feel deeply attached to rocks, their appreciation stems more from an intuitive and affectionate perspective rather than rigorous study or analysis.
On a deeper level, this quote suggests that there is often a profound personal resonance with elements of nature beyond mere intellectual understanding. The speaker conveys the idea that emotions and feelings can create a stronger bond with natural objects like rocks compared to analytical knowledge alone. This insight encourages readers to reflect on their own connections with nature and how emotional bonds can sometimes be more significant than factual or scientific comprehension.
The quote is from John Burroughs, an American nature writer and essayist who lived from 1837 to 1921. He was a contemporary of notable figures like Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson and is known for his essays that explore natural landscapes and philosophical musings inspired by the environment around him. His work often balances scientific observation with poetic appreciation, making this quote reflective of his broader thematic interests in the relationship between human emotion and nature.
