Wendell BerryOur Only World: Ten Essays

For most if not all of his adult life, writer Wendell Berry (born 1934) has been remarkably consistent in his belief and his worldview that the industrialization of America had created a kind of violence upon the land, communities, and the people. In more than 50 works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, he’s adhered to that belief, which is informed by his Christian faith.Industrialization includes everything from an agriculture dependent upon fossil fuels and chemicals and mining practices that scour the landscape to the destruction of forests. He sees both major political parties have having facilitated this, and indeed often with the collusion of environmental groups. And he sees corporate capitalism as having wreaked destruction upon the political, social, and economic landscapes as well as the physical landscape.In “Our Only World: Ten Essays,” Berry continues his discussion of that violence and destruction, along with a focus on examples of where he sees people are making a difference. The title is something of a misnomer; the 10 essays are actually 10 articles, speeches and essays. But they are simultaneously vintage Berry and contemporary Berry. And he has much to say, and much that needs to be listened to and heeded.The two longest essays in the book are the fullest discussions of his philosophy and belief. “A Forest Conversation” discusses historical forestry and logging practices but focuses on a family in Pennsylvania that has undertaken sustainable forestry for decades. “Our Deserted Country” focuses on agriculture, and considers how industrialized agriculture has changed local communities, the land, our attitudes about the land, and even our attitudes about the value of people.“Caught in the Middle” tackles two social issues that Berry sees as connected to what industrialized has wrought – abortion and homosexual marriage. He generally opposes the first and supports the second, but he laments that both have become so politicized that the middle ground has essentially been destroyed. Even if you disagree with him on these issues, his gentle and thoughtful arguments will at least make you consider just how well your own beliefs are thought out. And his arguments are well worth reading.“Our Only World” is not a long book but it is a worthwhile one. Much of what he says resonates with common sense, and much of what he says about industrialization is, I would say, on the mark. The question, as he well knows, is what do we do about it.

I've read all of Mr. Berry's essays, from his very first up to and including this collection.I believe these are some of the best he has ever written.They are mature, thoughtful, and wise.His writing style is deliberate, and his essays here are sometimes lengthy but never boring. They pull you in and require participation on your part, not just a skimming over or a diversionary read.Whoever wrote the official summary for the book shown on Amazon's title page (and elsewhere), did a very poor job. It doesn't accurately reflect the content of the book and the intelligence, passion, and compassion in his work.Reading some of these won't make you feel good, and that's not Mr. Berry's purpose. But I guarantee they will make you feel, and for an essayist, that's a worthy accomplishment.I wish Wendell Berry was more widely read than he is. He's an American treasure, a true patriot, and smart as hell.One final note: I enjoyed the physical size of the hardcover. It's smaller than his latest collections of poetry, and easy to grasp and read. The font is clear, the line spacing on the pages perfect, so buy this, borrow it, or whatever- just get ahold of a copy and enjoy Wendell at his best.

Every essay is filled with gold. Useful, indispensable, immediately implementable! A very good read. Can think many things with which to begin my own conservation.

Has exceeded my expectations!!! Mr. Berry has put many of my own thoughts into words in a way that gives me cause for great admiration. Excellent job - well done. Although there may be little, in the scheme of things that any of us can do, it helps to realize that we are not alone in our concern. Many years ago as a teacher I told my classes that worry causes ulcers; but concern makes for good citizens. Without knowledge and concern their can be no hope; and living in the now with some degree of inner peace would become impossible.

The content was what I wanted and expected from Berry. For me, it was difficult to read; but that's simple ol' me. However there are some fantastic one liners that would tie it all together for me (eureka! So that's what he's saying!). Either way, if you appreciate Wendell Berry, you'll enjoy the book.

Few books cause an absolute paradigm shift - this is one of them. Many of the concepts present in these pages have been on the tip of my tongue and in the recesses of my mind, but I have never been able to grasp them and articulate them in a way that would make sense to anyone other than myself. I’m eternally grateful for this work.

This was a bit of a disappointment compared to his other works. With the exception of the forest stewardship essay, the rest were somewhat recycled material.

Wendell Berry clearly addresses how we live and how we need to change, inspiring us to move in the right direction for the sake of our planet, our people and most importantly for our souls. If I could choose a wise old grandfather who had spent his life reading, writing and working on the land to pass his wisdom on to me and my children, it would be Mr. Berry. Thank you.

As I tell all my friends, Wendell Berry is the sanest man on earth.

Always a pleasure.

wonderful