John Muir

:For the 19th century Scottish sanskritist, see John Muir (indologist).

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John Muir (April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914) was a Scottish-American environmentalist, naturalist, traveler, writer, inventor, and scientist. He is, however, probably best remembered as one of the greatest champions of the Yosemite area's natural wonders. He thought that nature was a primary source revealing the character of God and that the Sierra Nevada was sacred ground, even calling it the "Range of Light." Anticipating the animal rights movement, Muir argued with vigor about what he considered the questionable ethics of hunting (calling it the "murder business"). He also anticipated modern conservation biologists by recognizing that everything in nature is connected and that the preservation of large tracts of unfragmented wilderness was the only real way to ensure a healthy ecosystem. Because of this, he argued for the protection of entire river drainages, instead of isolated valleys.

Related Topics:
April 21 - 1838 - December 24 - 1914 - Scottish - American - Yosemite area's - God - Sierra Nevada - Animal rights movement - Ethics - Hunting - Nature - Wilderness - Ecosystem

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