“How is one to live a moral and compassionate existence when one is fully aware of the blood, the horror inherent in life, when one finds darkness not only in one’s culture but within oneself? If there is a stage at which an individual life becomes truly adult, it must be when one grasps the irony in its unfolding and accepts responsibility for a life lived in the midst of such paradox. One must live in the middle of contradiction, because if all contradiction were eliminated at once life would collapse. There are simply no answers to some of the great pressing questions. You continue to live them out, making your life a worthy expression of leaning into the light.” ~ Barry Lopez
Barry Lopez died on December 25, 2020, his passing is such a loss to so many, his words will ring in our ears long into the future.
Barry Lopez was born Barry Holstun Brennan on January 6, 1945, in Port Chester, New York to Mary Frances (Holstun) and John Brennan. After his parents divorced his mother re-married Adrian Bernard Lopez. Lopez adopted Barry and his brother, and they both took his surname.
Barry Lopez was 11, his family relocated to Manhattan, where he attended the Loyola School, graduating in 1962. As a young man, Lopez considered becoming a Catholic priest or a Trappist monk. Personally I am glad he chose the path he did, he made so many lives including mine richer for his insights. Insights I believe formed from the experiences he had.
During his career of over 50 years, Lopez traveled to over 80 countries, writing extensively about distant and exotic landscapes including the Arctic wilderness, exploring the relationships between human cultures and wild nature. Through his works, he also highlighted the harm caused by human actions on nature. His creative voice helped activate many to take actions. His insights have informed my artistic perspective over the years. I hope if you have not read his books you might consider them as a “must read” in this new year!
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