Meaning: This quote by Joanna Baillie, a Scottish poet and playwright, expresses a longing for a simpler, more primal existence away from the constraints and pressures of society. Baillie, who lived from 1762 to 1851, was known for her poetic explorations of human emotions and the natural world. In this quote, she yearns to escape the trappings of civilization and reconnect with the untamed, unpretentious aspects of existence embodied by the "wild people that run in the woods."

At the heart of this quote is a desire for a more authentic and unencumbered way of life. Baillie's words convey a sense of disillusionment with the societal expectations and the pursuit of "accomplishments" that often define one's worth and success. Instead, she expresses a longing for the freedom and simplicity of living alongside nature and being unburdened by the pressures of societal standards.

The imagery of "wild people that run in the woods" evokes a romanticized vision of individuals living in harmony with the natural world, unconstrained by the artificial constructs of civilization. Baillie's yearning to be with such people reflects a deep-seated desire for a more primal and unspoiled existence, where the pursuit of personal accomplishments holds little importance compared to the raw, unfiltered experiences of nature and untamed living.

In many ways, Baillie's sentiment resonates with the broader themes of romanticism, a literary and artistic movement that emphasized the beauty of nature, the individual's emotional experience, and a rejection of the constraints of industrialization and urbanization. The romantic ideal of the "noble savage," untainted by the corrupting influences of civilization, is echoed in Baillie's longing for a life unburdened by societal expectations and the pursuit of accomplishments.

Furthermore, Baillie's quote can be seen as a critique of the artificiality and superficiality of societal norms. In a world where success is often measured by material wealth, social status, and professional achievements, her desire to be with "wild people" who "know nothing about accomplishments" speaks to the yearning for a more authentic and unadorned way of being. It is a call to strip away the layers of societal expectations and reconnect with a more fundamental and unpretentious way of living.

In conclusion, Joanna Baillie's quote encapsulates a longing for a more primal and unencumbered existence, away from the pressures and artificiality of societal expectations. Her words evoke a yearning for a simpler, more authentic way of life, where the pursuit of personal accomplishments takes a backseat to the unfiltered experiences of nature and untamed living. This sentiment aligns with the romantic ideals of nature, individualism, and a rejection of the constraints of civilization, offering a poignant reflection on the timeless human desire for a more unencumbered and unspoiled way of being.