Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by Fred on April 28, 2008 at 12:25:09 pm EDT
In reply to People prefer videogames to the outdoors posted by Bill S on February 5, 2008 at 7:48:13 pm EST

I've been absent (likely to the relief of many) for a few weeks, but this thread has drawn me back. If you don't learn an appreciation for the woods you won't lament it being replaced by housing developments and business parks, you won't be concerned about drilling for oil in the wilderness, about blowing the tops off of mountains to extract the coal. If you never experience a mountain top sunrise or the stars at night under a clear sky, why will you care about air pollution?
Sure, you can keep fit in a gym, you can climb on artificial holds bolted to a board, you can read books on line, you can play games or live a second life or something in a virtual reality situation on line, but none of that will inspire you to protect nature, to love the outdoors, none of the on-line "friendships" will ever be as strong or lasting as those forged in the crucible of bad weather and harsh conditions on a mountain.
I've raised three children in my lifetime, all have a love of the outdoors. They play video games as well, but they understand the need for balance in life (especially my eldest daughter who's starting to rock climb - she REALLY understands the need for balance!). I'm also in the process of saying goodbye to my father, who after a very active 80 year life has been struck down by an agressive lymphoma. He's still with us, but when I saw him Saturday his only lament was that he wasn't able to go outside, that he was "stuck in the *&*^!@#!! hospice". Over the two months of his sickness I've found great comfort while in the woods, greater than I could ever find indoors. I guess it all comes down to inspiring your children to love what you love most. Most comforting of all is the friendship that he and I forged while facing really lousy weather on some trips we made together when I was young.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.