In a surprising number of men there burns a curiosity about machines and loving care in their constr

1
Paraphrased from The Farmer as a
Conservationist by Aldo Leopold
In a surprising number of men there burns a
curiosity about machines and loving care in their
construction, maintenance and use.
2
This passion for mechanisms, even though often
clothed in greasy overalls, is the pure fire of
intellect.
3
Few realize that an equal passion for the
mechanisms of nature is possible for some future
generation. No one dreamed one hundred years
ago that metal, air, petroleum and electricity
could coordinate as an engine.
4
Few realize today that soil, water, plants and
animals are parts of an ecological engine,
subject like any other to malfunction if
improperly assembled or maintained.
5
Our present skill in the care of mechanical
engines did not arise out of fear that they might
fail to work. Rather it was born out of curiosity
and pride of understanding.