Today, as ecological issues arise on all sides, we are becoming more and more aware of how our natural environment is deteriorating. Our cities do not have clean air or drinking water necessary for a healthy life. Erosion and the transformation of fertile land into deserts are happening in many places on the planet, and fertile land is precious for our survival. There is a real danger of chaotic climate change, which also brings other natural phenomena that lead to great losses and suffering.
The term “eco” is not a new invention. It is derived from the Greek word “oicos” which means home, and it refers to the place where we live. Ecology is the science of how all living beings interact within one home – “our” environment on planet Earth.
Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the place where we live, that is, the natural, complex systems of our planet, with the most important premise being that Earth is a living being. That is why we need to unite two important components of human wisdom: science and philosophy. Both must be united in order to going hand in hand because science without philosophy becomes mechanical, materialistic, forgetting that the Earth and human beings share the same natural conditions. Natural philosophy emphasizes the importance of these conditions and experiences that we both share, Earth and humanity, and we discover them in our lives. These two pillars of wisdom, science and philosophy, have been the foundation on which all great civilizations of the past were built.
The truth is that humanity has distanced itself from nature, and the consequence of that is suffering. Humanity must reconnect with its Mother Earth and remember that it is a part of nature and must necessarily respect the natural laws and align our lives with them, and only from that can the welfare of the human race and the Earth arise.
Definition of Ecology
Ecology is the science that studies the relationships among living organisms, as well as their impact on the environment in which they inhabit and the impact of that environment on them. Although it has developed as a branch of biology, ecology, in addition to knowledge from iology, also relies on knowledge from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and many other natural sciences. This concept is often improperly used when describing activities related to nature conservation.
Thanks to ancient wisdom, philosophy has always been focused on the relationship between humans and nature. Philosophy has explored the position of humans in relation to nature, our ability to feel unity with nature, and to recognize our place within that unity; to discover virtues such as love, brotherhood, understanding, generosity, sharing, and respect for the environment.
The term “eco” is not new. It is derived from the Greek word “oicos,” which means home, and it signifies the place where we live. Ecology is the science of how all living beings interact within one home – “our” environment on planet Earth.
The unity of the environment exists everywhere, and the survival of all species on Earth depends on maintaining the balance of this unity. Science, united with philosophical principles, can contribute to accomplishing this by promoting sustainable practices that harmonize with nature and support the well-being of all living organisms. It is necessary to act in relation to nature, respecting all diverse forms of life. Philosophy offers rich knowledge and understanding, recognizing nature as a bond among all forms of life. Philosophy explores the nature of life in all beings.
The importance of ecology
In recent times, there has been an increased interest in ecology and various other scientific branches related to the environment due to the detrimental consequences of ecological disasters and the extinction of plant and animal species.
Today, the majority of humanity lives with the mistaken assumption that everything on this planet was created solely for humans. In many cases, selfish human interests, their greed and desire for accumulation of wealth and material goods, drive them to exploit nature. However, we must realize that we cannot exploit nature indefinitely because nature, like any other living being, will eventually react to our harmful actions and cause catastrophic consequences for humans.
Possession has deeply scarred our minds. If we acknowledge the symbiosis between people and nature, then it is extremely important for maintaining balance in the world. Our Earth is a living being, a unique creation that provides us with everything we need for life. However, we must be aware that our actions can have long-term consequences on nature. Pollution, resource depletion, and ecosystem destruction are just some of the problems we face.
The concern we feel about these problems can be a result of guilt over our impact on the environment, but it can also be a result of the awareness that we depend on nature for our survival. If we destroy nature, we are also endangering ourselves.
Philosophy teaches us that we need to change the way we interact with nature. We need to understand that we are a part of nature and that we are responsible for its protection. We need to develop a sense of love for nature and appreciate everything it provides us. We should be generous in sharing resources and strive to live in harmony with nature.
Only through understanding and respect for nature can we achieve balance and preserve our planet for future generations. Wealth and success should not be measured solely by material goods, but also by our ability to nurture and protect nature. Poverty should not be seen as a failure, but as an opportunity to reconsider our relationship with nature and change our actions.
Through unity with nature, we can find meaning and fulfillment, and together build a better future. If there is a flow of different energies, then there is life. It can be said that the universe is like a macro-human, and that humans are like a microcosm. Earth and the human body can be seen as the same, composed of the four elements: water, air, fire, and earth. Our Earth has rivers (water) which are its arteries; air, which is a vital element of the atmosphere; temperature, which means warmth, fire; solid element, foundation, the earth itself. We can notice that the four classical elements of life exist on our planet.
Gaia is a Greek word that denotes Earth. The original meaning of this word would be Mother Earth. We are born on this Earth where we live, grow, and eventually die. Therefore, we can only live depending on the conditions and resources provided by the Earth.
Ecological problems
Undeniably, there is pollution of the basic elements: earth, water, and air.
Technological and social changes in the last three hundred years have led to the relationship between human beings and nature beginning to scale rapidly, making it, as some argue, irreversibly damaged. Unfortunately, most of these changes are the result of irresponsible behavior towards nature and a lack of awareness of its vital character. In the long term, these changes lead to ecological degradation and the violation of basic laws of nature.
To change this frightening trend, we must become aware that nature is more than a source of wealth that we exploit and consume. We must acknowledge that nature is a living being and that we, humans, are just a part of it and the universe. Here, philosophy comes into play, providing us with tools for understanding the causes and consequences in nature. Merely observing the consequences is not enough; we must delve deeper into the source of the problem itself.
Indicators of ecological decline
It is crucial to adopt new values that will guide us in life and which we consider more significant than those that have governed us so far. Furthermore, we must change our habits and maintain a balance between body and mind so that we meet the real needs of human existence.
Over the past century, especially in the last fifty years, people have taken huge steps in building the modern world, but unfortunately, without much thought about the consequences of such changes for the environment. Now is the time to recognize the real value of nature and to take steps to protect and restore its living being. “People at the lowest level, those who are most affected by environmental problems, from water pollution to climate change, are the poorest. They have the least ability to change living conditions or lifestyle in order to confront and fight environmental issues. Here are a few examples:
The problem of consumerism:
The Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed.
Mahatma Gandhi
One of the greatest evils of our time is the strong inclination towards consumption. The capitalist system constantly encourages unnecessary consumption. The system depends on promoting sales in order to generate profit, as without profit the system would quickly fall into an economic recession leading to mass unemployment. In today’s system, everything is subject to buying and selling. Excessive consumption represents a great destruction of natural resources. Gandhi once said: The Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed.
Therefore, it is fitting for us to lead a simple, moderate way of life. What was said: Do not have too much of anything, let nothing be lacking, but have as much as you naturally and realistically need. The great scholar and observer of social change, Theodore Roszak, observes: “Managing resources and simplicity of life – willingly chosen – has always been the secret to fulfillment, while greed and extravagance are a hopeless waste of life. This should be common knowledge. In our situation, it is heresy.”1
Sustainable living may sometimes seem like a distant aspiration to us. However, there are strong reasons to strive for that goal. Today’s use and disposal of goods and services create a range of serious environmental problems. One of the most obvious is the uncontrolled accumulation of solid waste worldwide. The goal of sustainable living is to reduce the direct burden on the environment from the use and disposal of goods and services. Furthermore, taking action on the demand side can also help reduce the ecological footprint of products and services throughout their life cycle.
Global consumers
We need to adapt our way of living to be in accordance with the laws of nature. Since we are an inseparable and complex part of the natural environment, any harm done to nature directly affects us.
The rapid growth of the global consumer class is associated with the intensive depletion of natural resources, such as excessive meat consumption and car usage, as well as the overall use of energy on the planet. All of this impacts natural resources, with growing demand for oil, water, energy, wood, grains, metals, and minerals. This consumer class is not limited to industrialized countries. With the rapid population growth in developing countries, and as the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, a growing number of people have the means to afford a greater variety of products and services. When population growth coincides with high consumption rates, as is the case in some industrialized countries, the impact on consumption growth is very significant. At the same time, two things are clear:
Five people are struggling to survive on less than two dollars a day.
Possession: modern pathology
The desire for possession is a value disorder in which many people live. Our culture dictates it, television, internet, radio, newspapers, advertising billboards, shopping center displays, and conventional upbringing and education repeatedly tell us: “More is better.” More possessions, more wealth, more entertainment, more activities, more food. Possession has deeply ingrained in our minds; wealth means success, poverty means failure.
It seems that the way to fight against this “disease” is the same as the way to fight any personal transformation. What we need to change are the values we live by; values that we feel in our hearts make more sense than those that have governed our lives so far. We then need to change the habits of our body and mind to match the real needs of human life. These values can be called the law of abundance. The law of absolute necessity can be applied to food. Every spiritual tradition emphasizes the need to not waste anything, to cook and eat only as much as is necessary for normal functioning, anything more becomes toxic because the body cannot process it. Spiritually speaking, excess food degrades the act of nourishment into sensory pleasure.
Possession disturbs, destroys, and creates dependence on quantity. The law of absolute necessity promotes natural priorities of balance and quality.
About simplicity
The simplicity of the heart is far more significant and important than the simplicity of possession.
In general, it can be said that a simpler way of life is in line with the growing awareness of the environment. However, for this awareness to fully develop, individuals, groups, and communities must recognize its importance.
As human beings, we are all born on Earth. We live by using what nature has provided us: land, water, food, air, and when we die, we ultimately become part of nature in fulfillment of the cycle of life. In a simple sense, these realizations inevitably lead to respect for Mother Earth. We need to adapt our way of living to be in harmony with natural laws. Since we are inseparable and complex parts of the natural environment, any harm done to nature directly affects us.
This observation should be accompanied by an internal ecological process. If our responses to life’s questions arise from a fertile and rich inner landscape, they are more likely to be stronger and longer-lasting, and an authentic part of our philosophy of personal responsibility.
We can say that this internal greening is truly a prerequisite for greening the external world, and that both are necessary in order to act in unity. The inner landscape needs to be filled and perfected until it completely permeates everyday life and is reflected in a prudent attitude towards the world. Without a deep transformation of the human psyche, ecological balance will not be achieved. The global way of thinking imposed by today’s world is based on competition. Whose, consumption, economic control, and collective thinking. There is a need for independent minds who act with compassion, clarity, and harmony. We can clutter our minds with worldly trivialities, worries, and desires, or we can be independent and decide to possess only what we truly need.
Humanity must reconnect with Mother Earth and remember that it is part of nature, and it must necessarily respect natural laws and align our lives with them, as only then can benefit for the human race and the Earth arise.
The simplicity of the heart is far more significant and important than the simplicity of possessions. Overall, the simpler we make our lives, the more energy we will have for other things we do, devoting them more attention and thus giving them greater quality.
In the modern world, the trend of countless new The progress of civilization and the advancement of new forms of technology have brought about numerous innovations. Many of them are useful and assist us in our everyday lives. However, unfortunately, many of the choices we make regarding these innovations are tied to money or social status, resulting in harmful environmental consequences and increasing social differentiation.
Furthermore, the complex structure of human thought, heavily based on desires, can be compared to the collective desires that exert pressure on us, making mental clarity difficult to achieve. As a result, the quality and nature of individual, group, community, and national thoughts suffer. However, it is our duty to change the current trend of consumption and promote restraint and self-mastery, living in accordance with a dignified and natural way of life. The challenge is significant, but humanity will sooner or later have to confront it.
Quote from Roszak’s book: Where the Wasteland Ends: Politics and Transcendence in Post-Industrial Society.