The Etiquette of Freedom: Gary Snyder

 

Essay: The Etiquette of Freedom by Gary Snyder (1930)

About the Essayist

Gary Snyder

Gary Snyder, born in 1930, is an American poet and essayist known for his connection to nature and Zen Buddhism. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, which greatly influenced his work. Snyder's poetry often reflects his deep appreciation for the environment and his interest in Eastern philosophy. He spent time in Japan studying Zen Buddhism, which became a significant part of his life and writing. His works, such as "Riprap" and "Mountains and Rivers Without End," showcase a blend of ecological awareness, spiritual insights, and a profound connection to the land.

The Main Gist of the Essay

Gary Snyder's "The Etiquette of Freedom" delves into cultivating a mindful, ecologically aware life. Emphasizing humanity's interdependence with nature, Snyder advocates for a respectful relationship with the environment. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, the book guides readers toward a conscious, responsible existence. It underscores the recognition of our impact on the planet. By embracing sustainability and compassion, the book envisions a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world. Snyder's work inspires reflection on personal actions, promoting a collective commitment to nurturing both individual well-being and the health of the broader ecological system.

Summary of the Essay

Etiquette: a “customary code of polite behavior in society”, good manners

 In Snyder’s view, what is often missing in human behavior is graceful conduct. The essay “The Etiquette of Freedom” reminds us of our ethical (moral) obligation that we are indeed (truly) connected to everything else. Learning the birds and the flowers is local etiquette. It is rude not to know the creatures near us. He concludes in this extract that ‘The lessons we learn from the wild become the etiquette of freedom. To know the wild is to be truly free. Here, wild means uncontrolled freedom. There is wildness in us; everything comes from there. We need to manage and understand its nature to know the true meaning of freedom 

According to the writer, we are animals because we are mammals. Our ancestors were animals. Our bodies are wild. Both animals and humans have the same features. Both quickly and automatically turn their head at a shout, feel fear of the danger, breathe, feel relaxed in the quiet moment, and to survive both eat food. Therefore, he says our bodies are wild. It would be a mistake to think that human beings are superior because of language and society.  Animals also communicate extensively (widely).  Language is learned in the house and the fields, not at school. Without having ever been taught formal grammar, we speak correct grammar. We learn vocabulary from the mind. The mind is also wild because the mind takes it automatically or freely.  Likewise, other creatures learn a language from their surroundings. In school, language is refined, and grammar is taught. 

There is social order not only in society, it is found in nature too. It is in nature before the age of books and legal codes. We are followers of nature's rule. The lessons we learn from the wild become the etiquette of freedom. We human beings are not the only ones present in this world; other creatures also share this earth. They have similar features. The depth of mind and the unconscious are our inner wilderness areas. Memories, images, anger, and delights arise spontaneously in the mind.  We balance it with the outer world. There is uncontrolled freedom in it.  We need to manage it to enjoy a true sense of freedom. Freedom doesn’t mean we harm other creatures. We all share the same planet. We must live in harmony with each other and establish an etiquette relationship with nature.

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