Wendell Berry is an American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer. He is the author of several novels, short stories, poems, and essays that portray the earth and the community. As a poet, he delves deep into the themes of nature, love, community, and spirituality. Berry is widely regarded as a leading critic of American society and an advocate of rural life.
Wendell Berry was born in Henry County, Kentucky, in 1934.
He attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied English and took writing workshops with Wallace Stegner and Allen Tate.
In the mid-1960s, Berry began to publish his poetry and fiction.
In 1970, he settled on a farm in Port Royal, Kentucky, where he lived and farmed for over 40 years.
In 1977, Berry was named Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
In 2010, Berry was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
Berry continues to write and speak about agriculture, the environment, and the human relationship to the natural world.
Wendell Berry writes in a straightforward and accessible style that is deeply rooted in the traditions of rural life and the natural world. His work often focuses on the importance of community, self-reliance, and responsible stewardship of the land.
The main theme of Berry's writing is the importance of living in harmony with nature, finding joy and meaning in simple things, and building strong, sustainable communities. He emphasizes the need for responsible stewardship of the land and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Some of Wendell Berry's most famous quotes include: 'The Earth is what we all have in common.' 'The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.' 'The most alarming sign of the state of our society now is that our leaders have the courage to sacrifice the lives of young people in war but have not the courage to tell us that we must be less greedy and less wasteful.'
Yes, Wendell Berry is still writing. He continues to produce new works of fiction, poetry, and essays, as well as speaking out on environmental and social issues.
Wendell Berry's work has had a significant impact on American society, particularly in the areas of environmentalism and sustainability. His writing has helped to raise public awareness of the importance of responsible land use, community building, and the need to live in harmony with the natural world. His influence can be seen in the growing interest in organic farming, the local food movement, and the increasing popularity of sustainable living practices.