Article Summary:
I a very thoughtful piece, the Washington Post columnist, Dana Milbank, describes how a seemingly unusual assignment to write about restoring a dilapidated farmhouse in rural Virginia transformed his life and perspective. Initially skeptical, he embraced the project by learning farming skills, becoming a master naturalist, planting trees and meadows, and writing about rural community challenges.
His columns about farm life unexpectedly resonated with readers across political divides, generating more personal engagement than his political writing. He believes this response reflects a broader societal longing to reconnect with nature and community in an era characterized by technological alienation, political divisiveness, and social isolation.
Inspired by this response, the author has signed a book contract and is transitioning his column to The Post’s new Futures section. His new work will focus on “the tonic of wildness” and exploring ways to restore human connection, creativity, and wonder. He aims to examine how people can rebuild social structures and overcome current societal challenges.
The column will explore humanity’s intrinsic genetic connection to nature, highlighting how natural experiences can improve emotional and cognitive functioning. While addressing serious topics like climate change and mass extinction, the author also seeks to provide hope and practical insights.
Importantly, he views this as a collaborative project, inviting readers to share their own experiences of “rehumanizing” – how they find meaning, overcome isolation, and connect with something larger than themselves. By crowdsourcing perspectives, he hopes to discover collective strategies for rebuilding community and personal resilience in challenging times.
Excellent Quote:
“The challenge of our time is to recover what we have lost: in nature, and in our communities.”