Richard Proenneke Quotes

#1. The more I see as I sit here among the rocks, the more I wonder about what I am not seeing.

Richard Proenneke

#2. Sometimes I get lost in the rhythm of the paddling. I even count the strokes it takes to get me to a point of land, The play of the muscles in one's arms and shoulders, and the feel of palm against worn wood, are preferable to glancing at a speedometer

Richard Proenneke

#3. To look around at what you have accomplished in a day gives a man a good feeling. Too many men work on parts of things. Doing a job to completeness satisfies a man.

Richard Proenneke

#4. Learn to use an axe, and respect it and you can't help but love it. But abuse one and it will wear your hands raw and open your foot like an overcooked sausage.

Richard Proenneke

#5. I enjoy working for my heat. I don't just press a button or twist a thermostat dial. I use the big crosscut saw and the axe, and while I'm getting my heat supply I'm working up an appetite that makes simple food just as appealing as anything a French chef could create.

Richard Proenneke

#6. Eight and a half miles can be covered in minutes in a car on an expressway, but what does a man see? What he gains in time he loses in benefit to his body and mInd.

Richard Proenneke

#7. I don't confuse my digestive system, I just season simple food with hunger

Richard Proenneke

#8. Chores are easier if forethought is given to them and they are looked upon as little pleasures to perform instead of inconveniences that steal time and try the patience.

Richard Proenneke

#9. Too many men work on parts of things. Doing a job to completion, satisfies me.

Richard Proenneke

#10. There is always a sadness about packing. I guess you wonder if where you're going is as good as where you've been.

Richard Proenneke