The Most Civil Society
"I wish our way had always lain among woods. Trees are the most civil society." —Robert Louis Stevenson
I agree with Stevenson. When I start upon a woodland trail, I feel that I am entering very civil society indeed. The trees are friendly and welcoming. The small creatures of the wood scurry all about, rustling leaves, stopping to stare curiously but unperturbed about sharing their living space. Bushes and boughs wave companionably as I wander past. The trees towering above offer me shade and shelter, as well as beauty and comfort. The hectic bustle and tussle of human crowds never feels nearly so civilized as the company of trees.
The civility of the woods is a good influence on people. In a crowded marketplace, people have cold eyes, unfriendly and unsmiling, passing each other brusquely, in soulless silence. Those I encounter in the woods always smile, make eye contact, and exchange pleasantries: "Isn't it a beautiful afternoon? Enjoy your walk!" I find the company of the woodland so much kinder than the civilization of concrete.