Agrarianism: the ideal candidate for cultural renewal
In agrarian practices we see a deliberate way of life in which the integrity and wholesomeness of peoples and neighborhoods, and the natural resources they depend upon, are maintained and celebrated.
“What makes agrarianism the ideal candidate for cultural renewal is that it, unlike some environmental approaches that sequester wilderness and portray the human presence as invariably destructive or evil, grows out of the sustained, practical, intimate engagement between the power and creativity of both nature and humans. In agrarian practices we see a deliberate way of life in which the integrity and wholesomeness of peoples and neighborhoods, and the natural resources they depend upon, are maintained and celebrated.
“Agrarianism builds on the acknowledgement that we are biological and social beings that depend on healthy habitats and communities. However much we might think of ourselves as post-agricultural beings or disembodied minds, the fact of the matter is that we are inextricably tied to the land through our bodies – we have to eat, drink and breath – and so our culture must always be sympathetic to the responsibilities of agriculture.”
— Norman Wirzba (“Why Agrarianism Matters – Even to Urbanites,” In The Essential Agrarian Reader, edited by Norman Wirzba, University of Kentucky Press, 2004)
Or, as the late great social commentator, Paul Harvey, once put it, “Man – despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments – owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.”
There is no question that I am philosophically an agrarian, and I have rarely, if ever, been so happy as when I was one in practice, too (at Spoutwood). One of the greatest disappointments of my life so far is that I have not yet been able to obtain a small piece of land to live on and farm (or at least garden, and maybe raise a few chickens) as I believe our Creator, and also many of our Founders – Jefferson in particular – intended.
Perhaps one day, Lord willing…
As small farmers with our mission: raising food fit to eat
Along with our passion: teaching others to do the same, we are indeed blessed to live as Southern Agrarians and although seniors, we still engage with folks who want to learn on a one- on-one basis.
May the Lord raise up many many more as we live out His plan for us in this world without end.
Thanks to Southern Agrarian for sharing.
Now, you KNEW that I would like and comment and share this one, my friend! May I have your permission to re-post it on The Southern Agrarian and share it with the email list?