The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature By: Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)
The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature by Henry Van Dyke is an intriguing collection of stories that delves into the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. Van Dyke's captivating writing style and his deep understanding of human emotions make this book a remarkable read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of our own nature. Throughout the book, Van Dyke explores various themes, from man's futile quest for power to the healing power of nature. Each story offers a unique perspective on these themes, presenting a thought-provoking narrative that keeps the reader engrossed from start to finish. One of the standout elements of Van Dyke's storytelling is his ability to effortlessly weave together beautiful descriptions of nature with profound insights into human behavior. His vivid language and detailed observations create a sensory experience, making readers feel like they are immersed in the scenes described. Moreover, Van Dyke's characters are incredibly well developed and relatable. They possess depth and complexity, allowing readers to form genuine connections with them. The author skillfully portrays their struggles, desires, and aspirations, making their journeys all the more compelling. The book also explores the idea of the "ruling passion," the driving force behind human actions. Van Dyke expertly unravels the different facets of this passion, showing how it can both lead to greatness and result in tragic consequences. These tales serve as a reminder that our desires, be they noble or self-destructive, shape our lives in profound ways. Additionally, the book offers moments of reflection that encourage readers to ponder the inherent connection between mankind and the natural world. Nature serves as a powerful backdrop for these tales, highlighting its ability to both comfort and challenge us. Van Dyke's exquisite descriptions of landscapes and natural phenomena serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. However, it should be noted that some readers may find the pacing of the stories to be slow at times. The intricate exploration of emotions and the introspective nature of the tales may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate a deeper exploration of the human condition, these stories will undoubtedly resonate. In conclusion, The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature by Henry Van Dyke is a captivating collection of stories that offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Van Dyke's vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and profound themes make this book a worthwhile read for those interested in the complex dynamics of human nature and our relationship with the natural world. First Page: THE RULING PASSION by Henry van Dyke A WRITER'S REQUEST OF HIS MASTER Let me never tag a moral to a story, nor tell a story without a meaning. Make me respect my material so much that I dare not slight my work. Help me to deal very honestly with words and with people because they are both alive. Show me that as in a river, so in a writing, clearness is the best quality, and a little that is pure is worth more than much that is mixed. Teach me to see the local colour without being blind to the inner light. Give me an ideal that will stand the strain of weaving into human stuff on the loom of the real. Keep me from caring more for books than for folks, for art than for life. Steady me to do my full stint of work as well as I can: and when that is done, stop me, pay what wages Thou wilt, and help me to say, from a quiet heart, a grateful AMEN. PREFACE In every life worth writing about there is a ruling passion, "the very pulse of the machine." Unless you touch that, you are groping around outside of reality. Sometimes it is romantic love: Natures masterpiece of interested benevolence. In almost all lives this passion has its season of empire. Therefore, and rightly, it is the favourite theme of the storyteller. Romantic love interests almost everybody, because almost everybody knows something about it, or would like to know... Continue reading book >>

The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature By: Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature by Henry Van Dyke is an intriguing collection of stories that delves into the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. Van Dyke's captivating writing style and his deep understanding of human emotions make this book a remarkable read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of our own nature.

Throughout the book, Van Dyke explores various themes, from man's futile quest for power to the healing power of nature. Each story offers a unique perspective on these themes, presenting a thought-provoking narrative that keeps the reader engrossed from start to finish.

One of the standout elements of Van Dyke's storytelling is his ability to effortlessly weave together beautiful descriptions of nature with profound insights into human behavior. His vivid language and detailed observations create a sensory experience, making readers feel like they are immersed in the scenes described.

Moreover, Van Dyke's characters are incredibly well developed and relatable. They possess depth and complexity, allowing readers to form genuine connections with them. The author skillfully portrays their struggles, desires, and aspirations, making their journeys all the more compelling.

The book also explores the idea of the "ruling passion," the driving force behind human actions. Van Dyke expertly unravels the different facets of this passion, showing how it can both lead to greatness and result in tragic consequences. These tales serve as a reminder that our desires, be they noble or self-destructive, shape our lives in profound ways.

Additionally, the book offers moments of reflection that encourage readers to ponder the inherent connection between mankind and the natural world. Nature serves as a powerful backdrop for these tales, highlighting its ability to both comfort and challenge us. Van Dyke's exquisite descriptions of landscapes and natural phenomena serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us.

However, it should be noted that some readers may find the pacing of the stories to be slow at times. The intricate exploration of emotions and the introspective nature of the tales may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate a deeper exploration of the human condition, these stories will undoubtedly resonate.

In conclusion, The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature by Henry Van Dyke is a captivating collection of stories that offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Van Dyke's vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and profound themes make this book a worthwhile read for those interested in the complex dynamics of human nature and our relationship with the natural world.

First Page:

THE RULING PASSION

by Henry van Dyke

A WRITER'S REQUEST OF HIS MASTER

Let me never tag a moral to a story, nor tell a story without a meaning. Make me respect my material so much that I dare not slight my work. Help me to deal very honestly with words and with people because they are both alive. Show me that as in a river, so in a writing, clearness is the best quality, and a little that is pure is worth more than much that is mixed. Teach me to see the local colour without being blind to the inner light. Give me an ideal that will stand the strain of weaving into human stuff on the loom of the real. Keep me from caring more for books than for folks, for art than for life. Steady me to do my full stint of work as well as I can: and when that is done, stop me, pay what wages Thou wilt, and help me to say, from a quiet heart, a grateful AMEN.

PREFACE

In every life worth writing about there is a ruling passion, "the very pulse of the machine." Unless you touch that, you are groping around outside of reality.

Sometimes it is romantic love: Natures masterpiece of interested benevolence. In almost all lives this passion has its season of empire. Therefore, and rightly, it is the favourite theme of the storyteller. Romantic love interests almost everybody, because almost everybody knows something about it, or would like to know... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – The Ruling Passion; tales of nature and human nature

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