Ian Player on the African Wilderness

27 Replies

“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.)

Ian Player

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!

27 thoughts on “Ian Player on the African Wilderness”

  1. Pingback: Freedom! | Ouch!! My back hurts!!

  2. Pingback: Toys – The Bigger The Better? | Ouch!! My back hurts!!

  3. unexpectedincommonhours

    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!

    Like

    Reply ↓
    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      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!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓
  4. aj vosse

    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!! 🙂

    Like

    Reply ↓
  5. oururbanwilderness

    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 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      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!

      Like

      Reply ↓
      1. perdebytjie

        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!

        Like

Please don't leave without sharing your thoughts?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.