In Literature Appetizer, Ben gives you just a taste of a book. Not meant to replace the full meal, this is meant to whet your appetite. Bon appetit!
As much as I am a technological optimist, one of the worst things it has done has disconnected us from the natural world. Not because technology is inherently ‘anti-nature,’ but because we have not taken the steps to consider the side effects when using technology. One of the simplest examples of this is light pollution;
“Light pollution has obscured the stars from our view of the world and, consequently, our minds. This has severed a relationship with a part of nature that has featured strongly in human history. It is tempting to assume that this trend is limited to industrialized Western society, but there are indigenous desert people who can no longer name a star.”
How can someone learn about the stars, for example, when they can’t see them due to light pollution?
If it is night outside, take a look. Seriously. If it is not too cloudy, see how many stars you can find. Even if you can only see a few I bet you can find the big dipper. Once you find it, you can find north.
You don’t need to be on a cross continental trek to find use in using the signs in nature. The Natural Navigator explains the logic behind getting into reading clues outdoors. Let’s take a look at this picture.
What direction does the wind come from, usually? Even though wind can change direction often and drastically, over years there generally is a prevailing wind in the area.
Here are few clues. The trees in the area seem to have once been a thick forest, but then thinned out. Maybe due to storms, maybe due to logging. That means that the trees remaining are not as strong as they would be normally. Trees inside forests are not as strong as those on the edges, since they do not have to experience the wind as much. Also these trees look dead. All of those clues lead us to think looking at the trees will be helpful.
On the left side many trees have branches on the right side, but not the left. The middle tree also looks like it is leaning to the right. All these clues together means that the prevailing wind comes from the left side of the picture.
This book is mostly discussing the history behind natural navigation techniques mixed with personal stories from the author. If you are looking to find your way, this is a good place to start!