Rachel Penick

1/20/20
Block 5
Socratic Seminar Reflection
During this discussion, we discussed Emerson’s ideas. There were multiple questions that
were discussed and mostly everyone expressed their opinion. The main topic of conversation was
whether someone needed to be alone to fully experience nature or not. There wasn’t one agreeing
side for this argument. Many people had different examples. For example, Evelyn talked about
how she doesn’t notice nature when she is surrounded by other distractions. But Max mentioned
that anyone can experience nature in any place if they focus on it. He said, “If someone doesn’t
notice nature when they have distractions around them, it means they are choosing to focus on
the distractions and not nature.” These different opinions helped widen my view on the topic.
This group brought many arguments to the table and I felt like everyone left the Socratic circle
with a broader perspective of the story and this topic in particular.
During this discussion I argued that people can experience nature among distractions, but
it isn’t as powerful as when you are alone. I feel like this was a mediator between the two
arguments. My group members said that I provided text evidence and I spoke loudly and clearly.
They also mentioned that I provided a deeper meaning and another point of view. This deepened
the discussion and converted others to side with me. I want to improve on using more textual
evidence because I only used one quote. Also, I want to continue to build on others ideas and
provide a deeper meaning for not only the people around me, but also for myself in my research.
Nature is all around on a daily basis and everyone can experience it but not to the full
extent like one could if they were alone. Everyday people are among nature and they ignore it.
They subconsciously notice that it is there, but they don’t acknowledge it. On the other hand,
when someone goes on a retreat and they are alone, they always notice nature and appreciate it.
This doesn’t mean that one cannot experience nature when they are among other people, but you
can never find as deep of an experience. It is healthy every once in awhile to go out into nature
alone and appreciate the beauty and peace that it brings. I went on a catholic retreat when I was
14 and we got to sit in silence in nature for 20 minutes. I felt so at peace and I loved it. On the
other hand, when I walk around school with my friends, I sometimes will mention how pretty the
trees are or how nice the grass is. This shows that nature can be experience in both ways, just on
different levels.