Nessmuk Quote

I recently read a work called Woodcraft and Camping by George Washington Sears, otherwise known by his given Indian name of Nessmuk. The work is over a century old, but I really liked the following quote from the book, and it just goes to show you that things were not so different over a century ago.

“With a large majority of prospective tourists and outers, “camping out” is a leading factor in the summer vacation. And during the long winter months they are prone to collect in little knots and talk much of camps, fishing, hunting, and “roughing it.” The last phrase is very popular and always cropping out in the talks on matters pertaining to a vacation in the woods. I dislike the phrase. We do not go to the green woods and crystal waters to rough it, we go to smooth it. We get it rough enough at home; in towns and cities; in shops, offices, stores, banks anywhere that we may be placed – with the necessity always present on being on time and up to our work; of providing for the dependent ones; of keeping up, catching up, or getting left. Alas for the life-long battle, whose bravest slogan is bread.”


- George Washington Sears (Nessmuk); Woodcraft and Camping

I am currently reading a similar book by Kephart, who was heavily influenced by Nessmuk. I am sure I will have some later posts on that book. But, it is a BIG book.