Quick Take

In the twenty-two essays collected here, Wendell Berry, whom "The Christian Science Monitor "called ""the "prophetic American voice of our day," conveys a deep concern for the American economic system and the gluttonous American consumer. Berry talks to the reader as one would talk to a next-door neighbor: never preachy, he comes across as someone offering sound advice. He speaks with sadness of the greedy consumption of this country's natural resources and the grim consequences Americans must face if current economic practices do not change drastically. In the end, these essays offer rays of hope in an otherwise bleak forecast of America's future. Berry's program presents convincing steps for America's agricultural and cultural survival.Damage --Healing --A remarkable man [Nate Shaw] --Harry Caudill in the Cumberlands --A few words in favor of Edward Abbey --Wallace Stegner and the great community --A poem of difficult hope --Style and grace --Writer and region --The responsibility of the poet --God and country --A practical harmony --An argument for diversity --What are people for? --Waste --Economy and pleasure --The pleasures of eating --The work of local culture --Why I am not going to buy a computer --Feminism, the body, and the machine --Word and flesh --Nature as measure

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: What Are People For?: Essays

Introduction

"What Are People For?: Essays" by Wendell Berry is a collection of twenty-two essays that delve into various aspects of human existence. The book explores themes such as community, human dignity, work, consumerism, and the environment. Berry, a renowned conservationist, farmer, and essayist, offers a prophetic voice that challenges the American economic system and the excessive consumption of natural resources. Through his words, he invites readers to reflect on their values and the consequences of their actions. This article will provide an overview of the book, its author, and readers' opinions.

About Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry is a remarkable figure in American literature, known for his contributions to the fields of conservation, farming, and essay writing. Born on August 5, 1934, in Henry County, Kentucky, Berry grew up on a farm and has remained connected to the land throughout his life. He is recognized as a prophet of rural America, using his writing to advocate for sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community-based living. Berry's work transcends genres, encompassing novels, poetry, and essays that explore the complexities of human relationships with nature and society.

Analysis of Views

Engaging with the Formatting: Some readers found the formatting of the book confusing and struggled with the organization of the essays. They felt that it took time to become familiar with the structure and navigate through the different sections. However, others appreciated the unique presentation and found it engaging.
The Importance of Community: Many readers emphasized the centrality of community in Berry's essays. They appreciated his emphasis on the need for strong connections between people and the importance of building resilient communities that can withstand challenges. Berry's vision of community resonated with readers who value social cohesion and collective responsibility.
Challenging Consumerism: Berry's critique of American consumerism and its impact on the environment resonated with readers. They appreciated his call for a shift in values and a reevaluation of our relationship with nature. Berry's insights into the unsustainable nature of consumerism challenged readers to reconsider their own consumption habits and advocate for more responsible practices.
The Power of Words: Readers praised Berry's ability to convey profound ideas through his writing. They appreciated his poetic language and his ability to evoke emotions through his words. Berry's writing style was described as both accessible and thought-provoking, making it easy for readers to engage with his ideas.
The Relevance of Themes: Despite being written over three decades ago, many readers found Berry's essays to be relevant today. They appreciated his insights into issues such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and the importance of local culture. Readers felt that Berry's ideas were still applicable in contemporary society and offered valuable perspectives on how to address these challenges.

Reasons for Recommendation

Prophetic Voice: Wendell Berry's prophetic voice is a significant reason for recommending this book. His ability to challenge conventional thinking and offer alternative perspectives on issues such as consumerism and environmental degradation makes him a compelling writer. His insights into human dignity and community values resonate with readers who seek to make a positive impact on the world.
Engaging Writing Style: Wendell Berry's engaging writing style makes his essays accessible and enjoyable to read. His use of poetic language and his ability to evoke emotions through his words make his ideas memorable and thought-provoking. Readers appreciate his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet profound manner.
Relevance to Contemporary Issues: Despite being written over three decades ago, many readers found Wendell Berry's essays to be relevant to contemporary issues. His insights into economic inequality, environmental degradation, and the importance of local culture continue to resonate with readers today. His ideas offer valuable perspectives on how to address these challenges and create a more sustainable future.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Confusing Formatting: Some readers found the formatting of the book confusing, which made it difficult for them to engage with the content. They felt that the organization of the essays was not clear and that it took time to become familiar with the structure. This made it challenging for them to fully appreciate the ideas presented in the book.
Repetition: Some readers felt that Wendell Berry's repetitive use of certain themes and ideas became monotonous after a while. They appreciated his insights but felt that he repeated himself too often, making it difficult for them to stay engaged with the book. This repetition may have contributed to their decision not to recommend the book to others.

Conclusion

"What Are People For?: Essays" by Wendell Berry offers a thought-provoking exploration of human existence and our relationship with nature and society. Through his engaging writing style and prophetic voice, Berry challenges conventional thinking and invites readers to reconsider their values and actions. While some readers found the formatting confusing and experienced repetition in certain sections, many appreciated Berry's insights into community, consumerism, and environmental stewardship. Overall, this book serves as a valuable contribution to contemporary discussions on sustainability, social responsibility, and the importance of building resilient communities.