Geoffrey Chaucer, the 14th century English author and poet best known for “The Canterbury Tales,” is credited with the first written use of the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt.” According to the Oxford Reference, the expression has come to mean that “we value least the things which are most familiar.”
But I reject that notion. For me, familiarity means comfort, endearment, insight and a sense of connection to the world, especially the natural world. To me, familiarity with nature breeds enjoyment, never contempt.
I never get tired, for instance, of seeing a bright red male cardinal, even though I see at least one or two nearly every day. Every time I spy one, its stunning beauty takes my breath away — especially in the dead of winter. Many folks take cardinals for granted since the birds are so common. But imagine how less-cheerful our yards and neighborhoods would be if Georgia didn’t have such gorgeous creatures.
In February, the bluebirds will be flitting about as they check out nesting sites, including the bluebird box in my yard — a ritual that I witness year after year and am well familiar with. But again, it’s never old hat to me. No matter how many thousands of bluebirds I’ve seen in my lifetime, a smile graces my face every time I see their bright blue feathers.
It’s the same with ruby-throated hummingbirds. My longtime familiarity with the tiny birds has never dulled my enthusiasm for their return each spring. When they do come back, I can sit for long spells at a time watching their antics at the feeders and flowers.
In late March, a riot of colorful, spring wildflowers will start blooming. After many years of field trips with the Georgia Botanical Society, I’ve become quite familiar with most of the wild blooms. Nevertheless, I will be going on more field trips this spring to enjoy them for the umpteenth time. Familiarity is what draws me back year after year.
And while I’m out, I’ll be looking for new things to become familiar with.
IN THE SKY: From David Dundee, Tellus Science Museum astronomer: The moon will be first quarter on Monday. Mercury is very in the west at sunset. Rising in the west at sunset are Venus and Saturn, which set two hours later. In the east at sunset are Mars (rising) and Jupiter. Saturn will appear near the moon Saturday evening; Jupiter will do so on Friday night.
Charles Seabrook can be reached at charles.seabrook@yahoo.com.
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