Outdoor Quote: Miles

Filed in archive Outdoor Quotes on October 30, 2007

Adventure education is a recent phenomenon in the widespread business of teaching and learning. Its emergence has, ironically, coincided with the decline of the wilderness resource upon which it depends. This is not surprising since the reason people now program "adventure" is because it is no longer a normal part of life. Humans sought for millennia to subdue wilderness. That process was dangerous, uncomfortable, and often fatal. Now that wilderness seems to be conquered, humans miss the challenges the struggle provided. They recognize the values provided by that struggle, values not appreciated then and not now available in the normal course of life. So, in compensation, they venture forth in growing numbers in adventure sports and even program for their youth.

- Miles, 1990

Editor note: I'm unsure who "Miles" is, but I love the quote.