Meaning: This quote by Mary Austin captures the ineffable and indescribable beauty of certain natural landscapes. In her writing, Austin acknowledges that there are some places in nature that transcend language and defy verbal expression. She refers to these places as "certain peaks, canons, and clear meadow spaces," suggesting that they possess a unique and extraordinary quality that elevates them beyond the limitations of human description. By likening them to the "nobly great" figures who are not commonly given familiar names, Austin emphasizes the grandeur and reverence with which these natural spaces are regarded.

Mary Austin, an American writer known for her nature writing and activism, was deeply attuned to the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of the natural world. Her work often explored the interconnectedness of human beings and the environment, and she was a prominent advocate for the preservation of natural landscapes. Through her writing, Austin sought to convey the profound and often transcendent experiences that can arise from engaging with nature.

The quote can be interpreted as a recognition of the limitations of language when it comes to capturing the full essence of certain natural landscapes. It suggests that there are places of such extraordinary beauty and significance that they elude verbal description and can only be truly understood through direct experience. Austin's use of the words "peaks," "canons," and "clear meadow spaces" evokes images of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and open meadows, alluding to the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that exist in the natural world.

The notion that certain natural spaces are "above all compassing of words" speaks to the idea that language, no matter how rich or expressive, may fall short in conveying the depth and complexity of these places. This concept aligns with the broader philosophical and literary tradition of grappling with the limitations of language, particularly in relation to experiences that transcend the ordinary or mundane.

Furthermore, Austin's reference to these places as having "a certain fame as of the nobly great" imbues them with a sense of grandeur and significance. By likening them to figures of high esteem who are not commonly given familiar names, she elevates these natural spaces to a level of reverence typically reserved for exceptional individuals. This framing underscores the idea that there are aspects of the natural world that command a profound sense of awe and admiration, transcending the usual modes of human understanding and categorization.

In essence, Mary Austin's quote captures the notion that there are certain natural landscapes that defy verbal expression and elude the confines of language. It speaks to the profound and ineffable qualities of the natural world, emphasizing the awe-inspiring and transcendent experiences that can be found in specific places of extraordinary beauty and significance. Austin's words invite us to contemplate the inherent limitations of language in capturing the full depth and essence of the natural world, while also celebrating the profound wonder and reverence that certain landscapes inspire in us.