Jamie Richards- "Landscapes of the Sacred" #1

"Personal identity is fixed for us by the feel of our own bodies, the naming of the places we occupy, and the environmental objects that beset our landscape."

In this quote from page 4 of "Landscapes of the Sacred," Belden Lane describes how the realization of self among all individuals is based upon the meanings we attach to our own behaviors as well as the objects surrounding us. On page 5, Lane goes so far as to to propose that human beings feel compelled to "anchor meaning in place" constantly. Is it feasible to imagine life without the attaching of meaning to actions and places? Furthermore, would some of the world's most prominent sites still be considered significant in the absence of these attached perceptions? Without the association of the papacy, the Vatican would simply be an admirable piece of architecture and would not receive nearly the traffic that it receives today. When a devout Catholic makes a pilgrimage to the Vatican, he or she feels honored to have been presented with the opportunity personally be in the presence of such a tremendously historical and religious location. This visit also provides for an immense sense of pride that he or she may feel obligated to share with peers, particularly those of the same faith. He or she may even experience a more intense connection to the religion due to such a visit. As one can observe, it is reflection on the opportunity to visit this structure that is so significant in the eyes of Catholics that ultimately helps one to define one's faith and therefore one's personal identity. Lane makes quite an enlightening and thought-provoking proposal.