“We’ve got three million years of Africa imprinted on our psyche…to see how people are gripped by the spirit of Africa, particularly at night when they sleep on the red earth, that very ancient earth, and they dream their dreams. There is a connection that is evoked from the depths of the collective unconsciousness that has drawn us all together. And also when they hear the leopard at night. That rasping call. It sparks something inside…It is an experience that has awakened thousands of people to the value of African wilderness, and the understanding that it was once their home. And it inspires them to protect it, because it is the landscape of the human soul.”
(The late Dr. Ian Player in an address to the eighth World Wilderness Congress.)
Ineke, who blogs at “I scrap 2“, kindly invited us to join in the “3 days, 3 quotes challenge”. We in turn extend an open invitation to all de Wets Wild’s friends to join in, and we look forward to the wise words you have to share!
DeWetsWild 
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Beautiful! I’ve had many students from Africa and friends from Africa, but I have never had the privilege of traveling there. Coincidentally, one of my American students asked me two days ago if I would like to travel in Africa. I would, of course. You are blessed to be in such an amazing place!
Thanks very much Deb! South Africa is a country rich in beauty and troubles (in truth, which country isn’t?) and there’s no place we’d rather be. Blessed we certainly are, and very thankful for it!
Magic words… evokes the spirit of Africa I so miss!!! What’s that old protest song? Africa my beginning… Africa my end!! 😉
PS – I have to take up this challenge… just give me a day or two to think about it!! 🙂
Looking forward to your contributions AJ!
True, it can really get to you, this Africa of ours. Great quote by Ian Player. He truly was a visionary, and did much for wilderness conservation. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Dr. Player certainly deserves all the praise he got in his lifetime and now that he passed on. This country’s environmental scene would have looked a lot different today if it wasn’t for his hard work, passion and dedication.
Nice to see you again here at de Wets Wild, Wilf!
I most definitely felt it, in the night camping alone in my little pup tent in Kafue, Zambia, and that morning with the giraffe. What he speaks about is real.
Experiences that will stay with you forever, I’m sure Michael!
You have shared a stunning image with us.
Thanks Colline, I’m so glad to know the picture fits Dr. Player’s moving message.
Pragfoto,Dries!
Dr.Player het so baie gedoen om die renoster van uitwissing te red en kyk wat gaan vandag aan!Dat dinge in een man se leeftyd so drasties heen en weer kon swaai!
Dit moes vir hom n groot hartseer gewees het…
Miskien is dit maar goed dat hy nie meer hier is om te sien wat met sy lewenswerk gebeur nie.Laat ek nie verder negatief wees nie..daar is steeds baie mense wat hul bes doen om dit te bestry en ons gáán hierdie ding wen!
Ek stem heelhartig met jou saam Dina. As ons nou moed verloor, verloor ons die stryd ook.
Beautiful quote and beautiful capture!
Thank you very much Tina! You’d agree with Dr. Player’s sentiments, I’m sure?
Absolutely!!
Wat ‘n pragtige foto!!
Baie dankie Aletta!
Great excerpt, very well chosen!
I knew you’d relate, thanks Maurice!
Dr. Player’s words are very stirring. I wish we here could awaken the people to the wilderness too.
The words summed up so perfectly the reasons why we can’t ever get enough time out in nature. I’m glad they resonated with you too Montucky!
Ian was n “icon” and still is a wise man to follow. Thanks for sharing his words again!
Few people could claim to have done as much as Ian Player for the conservation of this country’s wild places…