Steep Trails

"Steep Trails" by John Muir is a compilation of essays, probably from the late 1800s, that shows the author's adventures and thoughts about nature. The book emphasizes Muir's great love for the wilderness, presenting his journeys through places like California, Utah, Nevada, and the Grand Canyon, and considers both the loveliness and difficulties of nature. At the start, Muir shares his ideas about how important nature and wild places are, comparing them to human society and farming. He talks about studying wild sheep and their excellent wool, using this to represent the bigger idea that nature makes things for their own reasons, not just for people. Muir criticizes how people often try to control nature, claiming that what's truly beautiful and helpful is found in its wild state; using detailed descriptions and thoughtful reflections, Muir creates a lively image of his interactions with nature, setting the stage for the rest of the book's themes of exploration and respect for the wilderness.