6 Quotes & Sayings By Richard Proenneke

Richard Proenneke was born on February 6th, 1918 in Eureka, Alaska. He grew up in poverty with thirteen siblings in a log cabin that was only slightly more than a shack. He served in the Navy during WWII and was assigned to the Aleutian Islands off the Alaskan coast. He was assigned to build an airstrip for military planes to land and refuel Read more

Although he had no formal training, he became an accomplished photographer and cinematographer. He often said that the world he experienced during his time in Alaska was the real world, not the world of television and movies. After retiring, he published two autobiographies; The Woods Are My Home (1978) and The Cabin on Keku (1984).

1
The more I see as I sit here among the rocks, the more I wonder about what I am not seeing. Richard Proenneke
2
I enjoy working for my heat. I don't just press a button or twist a thermostat dial. I use the big crosscut saw and the axe, and while I'm getting my heat supply I'm working up an appetite that makes simple food just as appealing as anything a French chef could create. Richard Proenneke
3
I don't confuse my digestive system, I just season simple food with hunger Richard Proenneke
4
There is always a sadness about packing. I guess you wonder if where you're going is as good as where you've been. Richard Proenneke
5
Needs? I guess that is what bothers so many folks. They keep expanding their needs until they are dependent on too many things and too many other people.. I wonder how many things in the average American home could be eliminated if the question were asked, "Must I really have this?" I guess most of the extras are chalked up to comfort or saving time. Funny thing about comfort - one man's comfort is another man's misery. Most people do't work hard enough physically anymore, and comfort is not easy to find. It is surprising how comfortable a hard bunk can be after you come down off a mountain. Richard Proenneke