In this inspiring chapter, Helen Keller, who is blind, describes how she experiences the beauty of nature through her sense of touch. She finds joy in feeling the delicate shape of a leaf, the smooth bark of a birch tree, the rough branches of a pine, and the gentle quiver of a singing bird. Although she receives great comfort from touch, she deeply longs to see the world. She imagines what she would choose to see if she were given sight for just three days.
Helen carefully divides these three days. On the first day, she wants to see the faces of her beloved friends and companions whose kindness and love have made her life meaningful. She wants to look into their eyes, which she calls the windows of the soul, to understand their emotions directly. On the second day, she plans to wake up early to watch the dawn transform darkness into light. She then wants to visit museums to see the history of the earth, ancient animals like dinosaurs and mastodons, and the remarkable progress of human beings. On the third day, Helen wishes to spend her time in the busy city, watching ordinary people go about their daily routines. By looking at their smiles, determination, and suffering, she hopes to understand their everyday lives.
At midnight on the third day, permanent darkness would return. Helen reminds us that three days are never enough to see everything. She gives an important piece of advice to people who can see and hear. She urges them to use their eyes as if they might lose their sight tomorrow, and to enjoy music, scents, flavors, and textures as if their senses could vanish at any moment. She encourages everyone to cherish their senses and fully appreciate the wonderful gifts of nature.