“We, in contrast, must choose between biophobia and biophilia because science and technology have given us the power to destroy so completely as well as the knowledge to understand the consequences of doing so.” (Orr 188)
This statement, while seemingly simple, addresses such a complex problem in today’s society. The younger generations have grown up using the Internet, Iphones, and tablets, knowing no different. They are given these forms of technology at such a young age and it is beginning to become an evident problem. Electronic wastelands have boomed in the last couple of years and has become the fastest growing type of waste. On average, we replace our “outdated” cellphone every 18 months. We throw away computers, printers, T.V.’s, and many other electronic devices, including kitchen appliances, irresponsibly. When we throw away an electronic device improperly, it is taken to an Electronic Wasteland, where the toxic chemicals leak into drinking water. The countries most affected are those that are still developing. People work to harvest the natural elements from them, while simultaneously being poisoned by them. Pictures, videos, and campaigns are all over the Internet for everyone to see, yet we have not changed our ways. We are destroying the environment with our technology, while advocating to protect it through our technology.
“Third, I think we can safely surmise that biophilia, like the capacity to love, needs the help and active participation of parents, grandparents, teachers, and other caring adults.” (Orr 200)
Learning to love other human beings and nature should not be assessed and measured the same. Loving someone, such as a parent or family member, does take an active participation. Growing up in a distant environment can affect a young child. They need love to grow and mature, to learn to love others. However, biophilia, in a sense, does not. We do not develop our hobbies or interests from someone else. They are developed naturally on our own through curiosity. Those interested in nature are going to gravitate towards it, even without anyone in their sphere of influence having the same interest. Yes, we are encouraged by those around us, but simply because our parents have done an activity or loved something specific, in this case nature, does not mean we automatically will grow to love it too. I believe that we should encourage love and further campaigns for the protection of nature, but this will not affect those who have different views.
“Fifth, we have on good authority that love is patient, kind, enduring, hopeful, long-suffering, and truthful, not envious, boastful, insistent, arrogant, rude, self-centered, irritable, and resentful (I Corinthians 13). For biophilia to work, I think it must have similar qualities.” (Orr 201)
While I love this quote, I do not understand it. I don’t see how biophilia, the urge to affiliate with other forms of life according to Edward O. Wilson, can possess qualities that could resemble love for a human being. I understand a few of them, but some seem a little ridiculous. How can someone be envious when loving nature? I could see it now, “Oh, I am so envious of them because they seem to have a stronger connection with nature than I do.” I may be understanding this completely wrong, however in my mind, that is how it seems. I believe that when loving nature, you have one type of love for it: appreciation. You appreciate it for what it provides life with. Protection, beauty, resources, and a home. Yes, I can see how some people gravitate towards more of a city setting, however, before the skyscrapers and paved roads, there was beauty. Without trees, there would be no oxygen for us to breathe. Without water, there would be nothing to drink or fish to eat. Loving nature comes from the appreciation, not the similar love you have for a human being.
Photo URLS
(In order of appearance)
- http://www.theurbanecolife.com/healing-through-nature-what-is-biophilia/
- http://heatherpearl1989.blogspot.com/2014/08/quote-1-aversion-to-nature-what-can-be.html
- http://www.dancingturtle.org/portfolio/e-wasteland/
- http://www.silverleafcs.com/2013/12/agbogbloshie-a-toxic-e-wasteland/
- http://www.christinecarter.com/nature-vs-nurture/
- http://www.freeallimages.com/beautiful-nature-photography/
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