Homeplace by Scott Russell Sanders

In this essay Sanders debates between whether or not it is better to be in an inhabited place or is it better to keep progressing in terms of total fulfillment. He begins by introducing us to a family with a farm that were victim to a 3 time freak series of tornadoes. He goes on say how despite being the victim of 3 tornadoe accidents they still stayed on their ground, and did not move. He wonders why, and comes to understand that they have invested to much time, and effort in the land to just leave so ultimately they are stubborn. But beyond that understanding Sanders explores a deeper question of desire to progress or to just progress without moving. Throughout the essay he questions humanities desire of progression. He brings up many good points with great refrences to various writers, physicists, and scientists. He eventually settles on the idea that it is better to be inhabited in one place, and to understand its value rather then just quickly dominate it, and move on to the next place, like our nation has done throughout history. He mentions how the American heritage is based off people that have migrated from different countries, and developed our land. He also mentions how people that have migrated or rather invaded to other countries have caused much pain and anguish through destruction for development.

I enjoyed the essay very much. It offered much insight on the extents that humanity will go through in order to reach total satisfaction. I learned that total satisfaction is never total, and that desire is like a treadmill. By the end of your desire you may look better but you certaintly would have not gotten anywhere. Instead of constantly moving from place to place we should focus on the never ending moral offerings that our inhabited place has to offer. We shouldn't be narrow minded, and notice all the temporary things that different places have to offer. Sanders put together a nice collage of quotes to support his point of view, and the opposing point of views of the patriotic progressing American. All together it was a good, and insightful read.