Christopher Lubinski: Independent Reading 2

    It is interesting how there exists a dynamic contrast between the Gardens of Versailles and Central Park in New York. In Dr. Redick's on aesthetic tourism, he brings up the stark contrast between the artificially constructed gardens of Versailles and how the wild and more natural grounds of central park acts as its antithesis. On the one hand, man has taken over nature because man fears it, on the other he lets it grow inside his land because he marvels at its beauty.

    Though the Americas and Europe are considered Western culture, there seems to be a distinct difference in how both sides view nature. In Europe, according to what Dr. Redick had written, they are more fond of the contemporary and geometrically refined landscapes. Because Europe has a lot of human history it must be more uncommon for one who hikes on the trails in the continent to experience much untamed wilderness. The opposite values can be found on the American continents where there exists little interference with nature in many areas so much of the primitive wilderness is preserved. 

    He explains the difference in preference by referring to the people who welcome nature as pilgrims and those who would favor a country side more as an aesthetic tourist. Pilgrims are willing to welcome the influence nature has on their journey while aesthetic tourists, though are not bad, rather admire the beauty of the domestic quality the countryside brings. I find this to be really fascinating because this helps explain why there are people who like the wilderness and those who prefer urban life. It really matters on the person's preference of encounter with nature whether it be in a natural or tamed way.