Perceiving nature as being separate from human life is problematic because it causes conflict between human activity and nature (Winthrop 8). In fact, this approach undermines the conservation of the environment since it fails to consider the environment as an inherent part of human existence. In addition, the attitude creates a conflict between human existence and nature in the sense that it underscores the aspect of destroying environmental pillars like forests, water catchment areas and supports industrial activities that harm the environment. Therefore, it becomes dangerous since it eventually it leads to the destruction of nature by the encroachment of human settlement and other hazardous attitudes. Problematic attitudes undermine the ideals of nature by creating a dichotomy between people and nature. The situation is directly opposite of the ideal situation where people and nature are part of existence. In essence, there ought to be a symbiotic relationship between human existence and nature (Thoreau 9). Hence, it calls for cultivating positive and constructive attitudes for thriving in nature.
When nature is perceived differently from human existence, there is bound to be a problem because human activities will not support environmental conservation. Therefore, it becomes a problematic attitude that is responsible for the mass degradation of the environment (Thoreau 4). With this attitude, there is no concern for environmental conservation, and people consider nature as being different for them thus unnecessary to conserve it. According to Emerson, universe is based on nature and the soul. Therefore, all the aspects that are separate from individuals as well as the philosophy that differentiates the “NOT ME,” hence the art and nature, entire men and individual body must be under one umbrella of nature (1).
Therefore, nature should be perceived as part of human life because people’s lives depend on nature. Therefore, individuals should recognize nature as the gist and the source of life thus protect it. Nature is an inherent part of human existence since the lives of people on earth depend directly on the environment. In addition, it is the habitat in which human existence is anchored (Thoreau 11). The degradation of the environment is harmful to human existence as it reduces the life expectancy through some elements that include pollution, declaration of the ozone layer, loss of soil fertility, unpredictable rains, too much heat, and drought. As a result, the economic activities of humans, which are the essence of their existence, are directly based on nature. Therefore, the environment should be protected and conserved to increase the quality of life. Humans depend on air to breathe, which is perfected and produced by nature through vegetation. Nature purifies the air that supports human existence. In addition, soil fertility is based on nature’s activities, like microorganisms (Winthrop 12). Rain comes from the protection of forests, which also create water catchment areas, making survival bearable for more people.
As has been revealed in the discussion, perceiving nature as separate from human existence is the genesis of environmental degradation, which directly lowers life expectancy and reduces the quality of life. The perception that nature is different from human existence is problematic for thriving in nature because it undermines the place, importance, and conservation of nature. Instead, nature should be perceived as an integral part of human existence since it supports human life. Moreover, the degradation of the natural environment has catastrophic results to human existence. Finally, there should be efforts to perceive nature as an important factor in human existence since such an attitude will promote conservation.
Works Cited
Winthrop John. “What Warrant have we to take that Land?” England 1629
Thoreau H.D. Where I Lived, and What I Lived For, From Ch 2 Walden
Emerson Ralph Waldo. “American Romanticism,” From Ch 1. Excerpts from “Nature” (1836)