The Breath of Life by John Burroughs

Name: The Breath of Life
Author: John Burroughs

This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience. It delves into themes of mortality, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The author reflects on his own life experiences and observations of nature to convey a sense of awe and reverence for the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

By John Burroughs · First published 1896 · Genre: Nature Writing, Philosophy, Essays · 60 chapters · 79,018 words

First lines

When for the third or fourth time during the spring or summer I take my hoe and go out and cut off the heads of the lusty burdocks that send out their broad leaves along the edge of my garden or lawn, I often ask myself, "What is this thing that is so hard to scotch here in the grass? " I decapitate it time after time and yet it forthwith gets itself another head. We call it burdock, but what is burdock, and why does it not change into yellow dock, or into a cabbage? What is it that is so constant and so irrepressible, and before the summer is ended will be lying in wait here with its ten thousand little hooks to attach itself to every skirt or bushy tail or furry or woolly coat that comes along, in order to get free transportation to other lawns and gardens, to green fields and pastures new?

What this Textopian page supports

The Breath of Life is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Burroughs, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: John Burroughs
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Nature Writing, Philosophy, Essays, Memoir, Spirituality
Length: 79,018 words
Structure: 63 chapters, 453 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Nature Writing — The book explores themes of nature and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Philosophy — It delves into existential themes and the meaning of life, reflecting on human experience.
Essays — The work is structured as a collection of essays, presenting personal reflections and observations.
Memoir — It includes autobiographical elements, sharing personal experiences and insights.