From 1860 until 1946, Ernest Thompson Seton, a Canadian-American author, artist, and naturalist, lived. He frequently went into the wilderness to observe animals up close and document their behaviors because he was devoted to learning about and accurately recording nature.

According to Seton, knowledge of any kind must be grounded in precise examples and close observation rather than nebulous concepts or generalizations in order to be genuinely valuable. His work mirrored this philosophy, as he would devote numerous hours to researching individual animals such as bears, wolves, and other wildlife, producing books that were jam-packed with in-depth descriptions.

His method was akin to attempting to depict the ocean in broad strokes; while this might capture the spirit, it lacks the nuanced beauty that comes from closely examining each wave and drop. Seton believed that in order for natural history to be significant and helpful to future generations, it required this level of exact detail.

Seton wanted to encourage others in his field to study nature more carefully by highlighting the value of close observation. In addition to making a substantial contribution to our knowledge of wildlife, his work served as a model for how scientific research ought to be carried out: patiently, meticulously, and with a profound regard for the natural world.

Those who relied on broad generalizations might have missed or misinterpreted the wonders of nature, but Seton's writings and observations helped bring them to life. His legacy still has an impact on how we currently examine and value the finer points of the many ecosystems on our planet.