The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up--ever--trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy?

She also received the DistinguiTerry Tempest Williamsd Achievement Award from the Western American Literature Association and the Wallace Stegner Award given by The Center for the American West. and Melissa A. In 2006 Williams received the Robert Marshall Award from The Wilderness Society their highest honor given to an American citizen.

Williams’ writing is rooted in the American West and has been significantly influenced by the arid landscape of her native Utah and its Mormon culture. She is the recipient of a Lannan Literary Award for Nonfiction and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in creative nonfiction. For other people of the same name see Terry Williams.