Indeed, I would welcome living in a world in which we see nature as something we belong to, rather than something that exists outside of ourselves, something to control. I have been much inspired by the writings of Robin Wall Kimmerer: “In the Western tradition there is a recognized hierarchy of beings, with, of course, the human being on top—the pinnacle of evolution, the darling of Creation—and the plants at the bottom. But in Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as “the younger brothers of Creation.” We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn—we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance. Their wisdom is apparent in the way that they live. They teach us by example. They’ve been on the earth far longer than we have been, and have had time to figure things out.”
Indeed, I would welcome living in a world in which we see nature as something we belong to, rather than something that exists outside of ourselves, something to control. I have been much inspired by the writings of Robin Wall Kimmerer: “In the Western tradition there is a recognized hierarchy of beings, with, of course, the human being on top—the pinnacle of evolution, the darling of Creation—and the plants at the bottom. But in Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as “the younger brothers of Creation.” We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn—we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance. Their wisdom is apparent in the way that they live. They teach us by example. They’ve been on the earth far longer than we have been, and have had time to figure things out.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Beautiful quote - thanks for sharing.
Wise words and well written.if you have not already read it, I think you would enjoy Beinhocker's book The Origin of Wealth.
Thanks for the recommendation, Ralph! And thanks for reading.