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Summary: Opening our eyes to the patterns of nature
Review: A dozen years ago, Paul Krapfel wrote one of the most mind-and-eye-opening books I've ever read, a little self-published volume called SHIFTING: NATURE'S WAY OF CHANGE (recently revised and republished through Chelsea Green as SEEING NATURE: DELIBERATE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE VISIBLE WORLD). In it, I learned more about the patterns that nature creates and follows than I ever dreamed existed. Most importantly, I learned that life does a very creative dance with entropy. I've never thought about life the same since I read Paul's book.
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Summary: very neat book
Review: At first I was concerned this might be no more than a foofy nature book, but by the end, I was way into it. I appreciate the author's commitment to simple narrative and language, and the open, organic structure of the book. Very neat observations along the way. Much wisdom and much intelligence. I'm glad I read this book -- I would wish it on anyone.
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Summary: Seeing Nature Deliberate Encounters With The Visible World
Review: I am a high school honors biology/zoology teacher that enjoys reading nature books so I can learn new things. This book by P. Krafel is interesting in some aspects - I enjoyed it because I can apply some of the things he discusses to my classroom. If I had no interest in the spirals and interconnectedness of all things, I would have found it to be boring. It does not flow like nature books by Sue Hubbell, but it does have some good parts.
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Summary: About the intricacies and spirals of all things
Review: I read "Seeing Nature" because I am a high school honors zoology and biology teacher, and was looking for something that would help me out in the classroom. If I hadn't had the intrinsic interest in nature already, I would have found the book somewhat boring. It certainly doesn't flow like nature books by Sue Hubbell, but there are some interesting parts. It has given me a different way to view the natural world - as a series of spirals and interconnectedness; as gradients, not edges.
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Summary: Seeing Nature- Finding Self
Review: Paul Krafel's Seeing Nature is one of those rare little books that change people's lives. Like The Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull, it has the power to capture the heart and imagination of almost anyone.Krafel's simple stories and deceptively plain language lead the reader into a fresh new world where noticing an anomalous absence of stones, or peeing on a rock, can lead to unforgettable new insights into human nature and the laws of the universe. No one with the capacity for wonder can fail to be captivated by this book.
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Summary: Brilliant and simple - will change the way you see the world
Review: Reminicent of Guy Murchie's "The Seven wonders of Life" or anything by Loren Eisley, this book charms you with it's open and honest joy in looking at the world. Informs you on two levels: the behavior of creatures and forms in the natural world, and the parallels you can draw from observations into your own view of yourself, and your place in the world. Highly recommended.
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Summary: Read This Book, Then, "Take A Hike!"
Review: Science and art are processes that are part of us and are deeply rooted in nature. In a world of virtual reality, recreation a la SUV, and a distrussing number of people who think blackberries grow in the produce section of the supermarket, there is need of a new vision or a renewal of an old vision. Paul Krafel is developing a part of this vision. There are four main points in SEEING NATURE. 1). Process (or change) is interesting: This is the primary point of application of his observational/perceptual tools, e.g. looking at gradients, balances, spirals etc. An observation is most fun, if it does not stand alone. What came before? What might happen next? 2). Experiment: By continously exploring your ideas on observation/perception, you master them so as to be able to use errors and mistakes constructively. 3). Get down and dirty: The perfect counter-point to a TV/Computer screen view of the world. Take a REAL close at something. Why not put your finger in a "cow pie"? 4). The most important tool is you: There is a place for bird books and what the experts say about birds. But the big question is: "What is that bird doing?" This also applies to doing as well as observing. Some of the stories in the book relate to Paul Krafel's job as a Park Ranger. But others are of an aware individual acting only for the reward of the "thing itself". All this he summarized in both editions of the book with "Begin the work even though you cannot see the path by which this work can lead to your goal. Do not block your power with your current understanding." The younger reader can find some neat tools to explore with. The older reader can, of course, also use these tools. But the older reader may additionaly recapture a glimpse of the wonder and joy that is our heart.
Rating:
Summary: Read This Book, Then, "Take A Hike!"
Review: Science and art are processes that are part of us and are deeply rooted in nature. In a world of virtual reality, recreation a la SUV, and a distrussing number of people who think blackberries grow in the produce section of the supermarket, there is need of a new vision or a renewal of an old vision. Paul Krafel is developing a part of this vision. There are four main points in SEEING NATURE. 1). Process (or change) is interesting: This is the primary point of application of his observational/perceptual tools, e.g. looking at gradients, balances, spirals etc. An observation is most fun, if it does not stand alone. What came before? What might happen next? 2). Experiment: By continously exploring your ideas on observation/perception, you master them so as to be able to use errors and mistakes constructively. 3). Get down and dirty: The perfect counter-point to a TV/Computer screen view of the world. Take a REAL close at something. Why not put your finger in a "cow pie"? 4). The most important tool is you: There is a place for bird books and what the experts say about birds. But the big question is: "What is that bird doing?" This also applies to doing as well as observing. Some of the stories in the book relate to Paul Krafel's job as a Park Ranger. But others are of an aware individual acting only for the reward of the "thing itself". All this he summarized in both editions of the book with "Begin the work even though you cannot see the path by which this work can lead to your goal. Do not block your power with your current understanding." The younger reader can find some neat tools to explore with. The older reader can, of course, also use these tools. But the older reader may additionaly recapture a glimpse of the wonder and joy that is our heart.
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Summary: Truly great "how to" book on observation + great story
Review: The author presents 35 ways to observe nature. This book is like an extension course to Mollison's and Permaculture's discourses on observation. To be a good naturalist you must be able to observe, but just how do you do that? This book is one of the best books on how to observe nature. It is both practical and inspirational. This book is also very personal. The author describes his experiences as he developed his ways of observation. The book was most enjoyable to read, and the short, but many, chapters helped a lot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and should be REQUIRED READING if you want to be a naturalist or are interested in Permaculture. John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
Rating:
Summary: Truly great "how to" book on observation + great story
Review: The author presents 35 ways to observe nature. This book is like an extension course to Mollison's and Permaculture's discourses on observation. To be a good naturalist you must be able to observe, but just how do you do that? This book is one of the best books on how to observe nature. It is both practical and inspirational. This book is also very personal. The author describes his experiences as he developed his ways of observation. The book was most enjoyable to read, and the short, but many, chapters helped a lot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and should be REQUIRED READING if you want to be a naturalist or are interested in Permaculture. John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
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