A Tribute to Phil Arnot, 1924-2021
By Carol Acquaviva
One of Phil Arnot’s many gifts was his ability to articulate his own philosophies about life, specifically, his connection to the natural world. Phil said that “human beings everywhere have an innate affinity, even a need, to be with wilderness — not just once or twice but on an ongoing basis.”
On April 6, 2021, our community lost Phil. During his 96 years, he covered a lot of ground, both literally and figuratively. A resident of Lagunitas, Phil was a veteran of the Army Air Corps. He was a teacher, an activist, a trail leader, an expert backpacker, and an astute observer of his surroundings. In his book Point Reyes: Secret Places & Magic Moments, he wrote, “I am not a naturalist by formal training or self-education. I am primarily an explorer and especially a nature lover.” Phil’s full obituary is available to read here.
Phil authored many books, including guides to Point Reyes National Seashore, books on the Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra, ghost stories, photo essays, and a pictorial autobiography. His writings and accompanying photographs welcomed us into the world as he saw it, and wanted us to see it. Phil’s approach allowed us to look simultaneously inwardly at our own consciousness, and outwardly to nature. In 2018, the Fairfax branch of the Marin County Free Library had the pleasure of exhibiting Phil’s work in a collection titled “The First Hundred Years: A Gallery of Lifetime Wilderness Photographs.”
It is apt that a tribute to Phil should highlight in his own words how he felt exploring the spiritual forces of nature.
The following are from The Mystique of the Wilderness: A Photo Essay by Phil Arnot.
“Here one may take time to reflect upon one’s life, and in reflecting one may find the inspiration and courage to change one’s life.”
“The mountain demands self-discipline and courage, but offers an experience which is often sublime and even spiritual.”
“The greatest gift an adult can give to children is to introduce them to wilderness and often enough for their innate, but still subliminal need for the wild, to come into full consciousness.”
“The wilderness teaches us that the meaning of life is life and the purpose of life is to live.”
“We feel the sanctity of life and a conviction that, somehow, all sorrows will be erased and all tragedies redeemed.”
“It is in the physical presence of wilderness that someone, alone and in silence, may sense the mystery and a vague sense of a benign spirit unlocking the beauty of any particular wilderness scene.”
We give thanks to Phil Arnot for all he gave to us: as individuals, as a community, and as a reminder of humankind’s need to love and be loved by nature.
