When We Forget All Our Learning We Begin To Know

From the journal of
Henry David Thoreau:

October 4, 1859/

It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know. I do not get nearer by a hair's breadth to any natural object so long as I presume that I have an introduction to it by some learned man. To conceive of it with a total apprehension I must for the thousandth time approach it as something totally strange. If you would make acquaintance with the ferns you must forget your botany.

outside Lonetree Canyon (top)

the mayor of Espejo Canyon (below)