Wilderness protection has always been a controversial and very broad issue. It not only includes environmental issues, but also ethical issues. The wilderness is considered a place where human civilization has not been exploited, and it is also a place not ruled by humans. It belongs to all the plants and animals in the natural world and is also considered our common property. The value of the wilderness is immeasurable, and at the same time, the wilderness also has unlimited possibilities. And the area of wilderness is much larger than that of human cities, because of the vastness of nature and the limitation of human exploitation. So according to Cronon’s idea, let people think that the wilderness is sublime and a very active guide. Therefore, people feel that the wilderness is sacred and has infinite power in the concept of consciousness. This is also the deepest core of what Cronon said, making the wilderness also have a profound influence on humans and nature. In fact, through Cronon’s text, we can intuitively feel Cronon’s love and admiration for the charm of the wilderness, and the many descriptions he used to make the wilderness so beautiful and moving. The wilderness feels beautiful and lonely. Because there are not too many traces of human life, everything is in the most primitive state. It allows humans to feel the appearance at the beginning of life and appreciate the spiritual guidance brought by the wilderness. But are these just people’s beautification and beautiful reveries?

In Cronon’s article, he clearly put forward his critical views, which aroused human thoughts. In fact, our approach somewhat escapes history and environmentalism, because we have not clearly distinguished the actual urban interests from the wilderness. Instead, we cannot choose between the two and want to possess both. Indeed, I think that human beings cannot give up the various benefits brought about by modern life and return to protecting the wilderness. This is also an ethical concept. The wilderness also teaches us many things, because human interests and wilderness may have this difference on many levels, so we should build a positive relationship, in an attitude of respect for the environment and responsible human behavior. It is also a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of the wilderness. So I feel that the convenience and progress of life brought about by modern human cities are not disrespect and pollution of the wilderness, but a sign that human civilization is always progressing. We can control pollution and reduce the impact on the wilderness. Respect for the wilderness and a sublime attitude to live in harmony with nature is also a kind of respect for the environment.

 

Works cited:   William Cronon. 1995. The Trouble with Wilderness; or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature. Rethinking the Human Place in Nature, New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

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