Biophilia hypothesis
The biophilia hypothesis also called BET suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.[1] Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book, Biophilia (1984).[2] He defines biophilia as "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life".[3]
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophilia_hypothesis
Came across this term once again last night. It strikes me that biophilia is a real thing, but that folks can get so removed from nature as to forget what it is, how it can touch them. It’s a piece of their soul that they have sadly lost.
There is a related concept. Solastalgia
Solastalgia (/ˌsɒləˈstældʒə/) is a neologism that describes a form of psychic or existential distress caused by environmental change. In many cases this is in reference to global climate change, but more localized events such as volcanic eruptions, drought or destructive mining techniques can cause solastalgia as well[1]. Coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht in 2003[citation needed], it was formed by the combination of the Latin words sōlācium (comfort) and the Greek root -algia (pain). Differing from homesickness, solastalgia refers to the distress specifically caused by environmental change[2]. In 2015, the medical journal The Lancet included solastalgia as a contributing concept to the impact of Climate Change on Human Health and Wellbeing[3].
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solastalgia
I think that there are those of us who have some sense of biophilia and solastaligia, Research seems to confirm that biophilia is general embedded in us. But it appears there are others who have no sense of it. Perhaps there should be a condition like psychopath or autism for lacking biophilia; biopath?
Anyway it strikes me that our “leadership” seems to be a grouping of biopaths. Folks who have no empathy for nature. If true it would go a long way to explain the mess we are in re AWG, resource depletion, etc.
Just to add some image to the concept: conjure up going on a long day wilderness hike with either Donald or Hillary. See what I mean?
Thoughts?