On John Muir’s Nature Writings

John Muir was a famous American nature writer, whose nature writings illustrated natural sublimity and generosity. Numerous people were attracted by his picturesque description and started to experience, extol and safeguard nature. At the same time, Muir was a pioneer in American environmental protection. Thanks to his advocate and efforts,the American national park system was established, and he was honored as "Father of the National Parks". In addition, Muir set up the environmental organization-Sierra Club,which then became one of the major forces in American nature conservation. This thesis focuses on Muir’s nature writings and his preservation practice in order to analyze the essence of his ecological thoughts. To begin with, the origin of Muir’s ecological thoughts was discussed by briefly describing the life experience of Muir and typical features of his time. Then, the focus is put on Muir’s nature writings in order to find out the guiding thoughts and beliefs behind his love for nature, namely the reason why Muir held nature so preciously. Moreover, it is necessary for us to dig into Muir’s environmental practice to find out the essential principles guiding his action. Though Muir did not put forward any systematic ecological theory,ideas as "ecological holism" and "the value of wilderness"permeate in his nature writings. Meanwhile, his "preservative ideology" and "national park concept" were demonstrated in his action. Not only was he a preacher,he also practiced.Muir held a significant position in American environmental protection as well as American nature writing. Environmental problems are trans-boundary and concerns people of any generation, thus it is of great significance for us to better understand this prophet and pioneer more than a century ago.