Because we can't escape our ancient hunger to live close to nature, we encircle the house with lawns and gardens, install picture windows, adopt pets and Boston ferns, and scent everything that touches our lives. Diane Ackerman adoptancientboston share on social
Nature is more like a seesaw than a crystal, a never-ending conga line of bold moves and corrections. Diane Ackerman boldcongacorrection Change image and share on social
We ogle plants and animals up close on television, the Internet and in the movies. We may not worship the animals we see, but we still regard them as necessary physical and spiritual companions. Technological nature can't completely satisfy that yearning. Diane Ackerman animalclosecompanion share on social
Habitats keep evolving new pageants of species, and we shouldn't interfere. Diane Ackerman evolvehabitatinterfere Change image and share on social
I'm certainly not opposed to digital technology, whose graces I daily enjoy and rely on in so many ways. But I worry about our virtual blinders. Diane Ackerman blinderdailydigital Change image and share on social
Like many animals, wild ponies can sense a drop in barometric pressure. When a storm threatens, they know to seek shelter in hilly areas and huddle together with their rumps facing the oncoming wind. Diane Ackerman animalareabarometric Change image and share on social
As a species, we've somehow survived large and small ice ages, genetic bottlenecks, plagues, world wars and all manner of natural disasters, but I sometimes wonder if we'll survive our own ingenuity. Diane Ackerman agebottleneckdisaster Change image and share on social
We tend to think of heroes only in terms of violent combat, whether it's against enemies or a natural disaster. But human beings also perform radical acts of compassion; we just don't talk about them, or we don't talk about them as much. Diane Ackerman actbeingcombat share on social
The more we exile ourselves from nature, the more we crave its miracle waters. Diane Ackerman craveexilemiracle Change image and share on social
I've always loved scuba diving and the cell-tickling feel of being underwater, though it poses unique frustrations. Alone, but with others, you may share the same sights and feelings, but you can't communicate well. Diane Ackerman cellcommunicatedive share on social