Rick Bass Quotes

Powerful Rick Bass for Daily Growth

About Rick Bass

Rick Bass (born in 1958) is an acclaimed American author, naturalist, and environmental activist whose work explores the intricate relationship between humans and nature. Raised in a rural Montana town, Bass's connection to the land was forged early, influencing his lifelong dedication to preserving wilderness areas. Bass earned his Bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and later obtained an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1985. His debut novel, "The Hermit's Story" (1987), showcased a raw and captivating style that would become synonymous with his name. This work was followed by "Where the Sea Used to Be" (1995), which won the Pulitzer Prize finalist recognition. Throughout his career, Bass has published numerous short stories, essays, and books, including "The Watch" (1990), "The Lines on Mud: Essays and Stories from Montana" (1992), and "Earthly Powers: A New History of North America's Wildlife and the Hunters Before the Conquistadors" (2006). His work often blends vivid storytelling with ecological insights, creating a unique narrative that resonates deeply with readers. Bass has been recognized for his literary achievements, receiving numerous awards such as the National Magazine Award, two Pushcart Prizes, and multiple Guggenheim fellowships. In addition to writing, Bass is an active environmentalist, working with organizations like Defenders of Wildlife and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition to preserve wild spaces in North America. Today, Rick Bass continues to write and advocate for environmental preservation, leaving a lasting impact on both literature and the natural world. His work serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility towards the environment and the beauty that can be found in the connections between humans and nature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The land teaches us to be patient."

The Rick Bass quote, "The land teaches us to be patient," underscores the importance of patience when interacting with nature. It implies that observing and working with the environment requires a long-term perspective and understanding, as changes occur gradually over time. In other words, this quote suggests that the natural world serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the slow, steady rhythms of growth and development. It encourages us to adopt patience in our own lives, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection with our surroundings.


"Writing is a way of remembering."

Rick Bass's quote "Writing is a way of remembering" suggests that writing serves as a tool for preservation, helping us remember thoughts, experiences, emotions, and knowledge over time. By committing our ideas to paper or digital platforms, we ensure they survive beyond the fleeting moments of our memory and can be shared with others, enriching our collective understanding. Essentially, writing becomes a means through which we give permanence to the ephemeral.


"In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific arrogance in thinking we understand the Universe."

This quote suggests that there is a profound connection between human existence and nature, particularly wilderness. The author, Rick Bass, expresses an awe for the complexity and mystery inherent in the natural world, emphasizing that despite our scientific advancements, there remains much we don't understand about the universe. In essence, this quote implies that human understanding is limited, and the majesty of nature serves as a reminder of the miraculousness and interconnectedness of all life.


"Everything we do to this earth, we do to ourselves."

This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness between humans and nature. It suggests that our actions towards the Earth, whether harmful or beneficial, have an equal impact on us. Essentially, it underscores the idea that the health of the environment is directly linked to human well-being. The degradation of nature may lead to negative consequences for ourselves in terms of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. Conversely, respecting and preserving the Earth fosters a sustainable future for us all.


"We should give up hope that wild places will not be desecrated, but remain vigilant and work for their preservation with every ounce of strength we can muster."

This quote by Rick Bass emphasizes the acceptance of the reality that natural, untouched spaces are under threat, yet it also encourages a proactive approach towards their protection. In other words, it's important to acknowledge the risks but not lose hope. Instead, one should channel energy and resources into fighting for the preservation of these wild places with all the strength and determination they can muster. This mindset inspires action in the face of environmental challenges.


My life, I realize suddenly, is July. Childhood is June, and old age is August, but here it is, July, and my life, this year, is July inside of July.

- Rick Bass

Childhood, My Life, Here, Age

Even the largest of my dreams and ambitions, I realize with increasing dismay, were puny, measly, compared to the object of my dreaming. I would not say my life to date has been built overmuch of compromise, but still, it surrounds me.

- Rick Bass

My Life, Date, Largest, Puny

When you sign on to be an activist in northwest Montana, people in the grocery store will avoid eye contact, particularly if they're hanging out with outspoken opponents to your views.

- Rick Bass

Will, Activist, Particularly, Outspoken

I don't think I'm a natural novelist. Plot is definitely one of my weaker points. I've been working on it a long time, and it's not getting much better.

- Rick Bass

Think, Natural, Been, Weaker

Fiction is harder for me than nonfiction - more gratifying, as a result, when it succeeds.

- Rick Bass

Result, Fiction, Succeeds, Nonfiction

I've lost much of my heart and the spark or fire that once 'created,' or produced, the art of fiction.

- Rick Bass

Art, Fiction, Once, Spark

The natural world is the only one we have. To try to not see the natural world - to put on blinders and avoid seeing it - would for me seem like a form of madness. I'm also interested in the way landscape shapes individuals and populations, and from that, cultures.

- Rick Bass

Seem, Individuals, Put, Blinders

A novel that features real people is complicated, but in the end, that extra challenge is all for the good.

- Rick Bass

Real People, Features, Extra

I think a novelist must be more tender with living or 'real' people. The moral imperative of having been entrusted with their story looms before you every day, in every sentence.

- Rick Bass

Been, I Think, Real People, Imperative

To not pursue the thing one wants would be a waste of one's life.

- Rick Bass

Pursue, Wants, Would, Waste

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