How Nature Works
I most definitely believe that we must do more to respect the “principles by which nature works.� In accordance, I think we also must understand the principles by which nature works. We need to understand how the world works, on a scientific level, in order to fully be aware of what is going on, at a deeper level. This can, in turn, show us the influence that humans are having on the environment. And then we can see how our actions are affecting nature. I thought it was interesting how Rachel Carson talked about how for most of history, physical aspects of the world, wildlife, and animals have been “molded by the environment.� The opposite affect, where “life actually modifies its surroundings� is a new occurrence. Nature is a very powerful and has been sovereign throughout much of history. The only thing that has been able to overcome this and alter nature is man. However, this makes me wonder how much power and influence man actually does have. Perhaps it is only in our current minds that we have power over nature. Maybe our own ignorance is fooling us into believing we have power over nature, when in fact Mother Nature is still that sovereign being. Carson quotes Albert Schweitzer, “Man can hardly even recognize the devils of his own creation.� (6) Humans often don’t even realize or think about the implications of their actions. Day to day life consumes us, and we don’t stop to think about what we are actually doing, how we are living our lives, and the effects of our actions. This correlates directly to the arguments about insecticides, DDT, etc, and how we are damaging our home: nature and the environment. Carson also says, “Nature has introduced great variety into the landscape, but man has displayed a passion for simplifying it� (10). I don’t think nature has lost any of its’ power or sovereignty; that power struggle is all in the minds of humans. Nature is a powerful and beautiful; people need to think about nature works and how we are affecting it. We must accommodate ourselves by not believing we have such a forceful power over nature. Nature is powerful in itself, and we must live together with nature, not against it.