Humanity: An Inherent Nature

A meandering thought...

Within the tapestry of existence, the threads of humanity are woven not as a separate strand but as an intricate part of the natural fabric. 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concepts of "nature relatedness" and "connection with nature", how they often evoke images of humans standing apart from the natural world, attempting to forge bonds with something external to ourselves. However, I feel this perspective fundamentally misinterprets the essence of our humanity and our relationship with reality. In reality, humanity is not separate from nature; rather, we are an integral part of it. Thus, the notions of nature relatedness and connection with nature are substantially false, as they imply a disconnection that does not truly exist.

To understand this, let us first recognize that we humans are not separate entities existing outside of a thing called nature, but rather a form of natural processes. Our bodies and our societies have evolved within the framework of the natural world, shaped by the same forces that govern all life on Earth. From the composition of our DNA to the cycles of birth and death that govern our existence, we are deeply inherent in the broader ecosystem.

Furthermore, human civilization itself is an expression of nature's creativity and diversity. Our cities, technologies, and cultures are not aberrations separate from the natural order, but rather manifestations of it. Just as a beehive or an ant colony is a form of natural processes, so too are the structures and systems created by our human societies. Considering the perpetual violence of these prevailing systems, I feel there’s profound wisdom to be found here.

The idea of seeking to "connect with nature" implies a separation that does not reflect the reality of our existence. We do not need to forge connections with something external because we are already immersed in it. Every breath we take, every move we make, and every step we take is a testament to our inherent connection with the natural world. Even surrounded by the concrete structures that mark our modern cities we do not have to leave them to go to nature, we are always in it.

The concept of "nature relatedness" similarly misses the mark by suggesting that nature is something separate from ourselves that we must strive to understand and appreciate. In truth, nature is not an object to be related to; it is the very fabric of our being. To speak of relating to nature is akin to speaking of relating to your own heartbeat.

This notion of separation is based on a false premise which plagues us at every turn – that humanity exists apart from and therefore superior to the natural world. In reality, we are an inseparable aspect of so called nature, and I feel any attempt at addressing our interconnected environmental and social crises must begin with the recognition of this fundamental truth

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