To farm is to be placed absolutely

To farm is to be placed absolutely

Wendell Berry, a renowned American writer, poet, and farmer, has long been an advocate for sustainable agriculture and the importance of connecting with the land. In his work, Berry often emphasizes the idea that to farm is to be placed absolutely, meaning that farming is not just a job or a way of making a living, but a deep and profound connection to the earth and the natural world.

For Berry, farming is not just about producing food or making a profit, but about living in harmony with the land and understanding the interconnectedness of all living things. He believes that when we farm, we are not just working the land, but we are also being shaped and molded by it. The act of farming requires us to be fully present and engaged with the natural world, to pay attention to the rhythms of the seasons, and to be attuned to the needs of the soil, plants, and animals.

To farm is to be placed absolutely also means that farming is a way of life, a way of being in the world that is rooted in a deep sense of place and belonging. Berry argues that modern industrial agriculture has disconnected us from the land, leading to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and a loss of connection to the natural world. By contrast, traditional farming practices, such as those advocated by Berry, are based on a deep respect for the land and a commitment to stewardship and sustainability.