Nature is often treated as something separate—a silent backdrop to human progress. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? This perception, deeply rooted in history and culture, has led us to believe humanity stands above Nature, controlling it, using it, and often, exploiting it. As philosopher Martin Heidegger points out in The Question Concerning Technology, this modern view reduces Nature to a "standing-reserve," a stockpile of resources for human consumption. This mindset alienates us from the very systems that sustain us, stripping Nature of its intrinsic value.
The Frankfurt School thinkers Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno take this critique further in their Dialectic of Enlightenment. They reveal how what we call "reason" is often utilitarianism disguised as logic—a framework that prioritizes control and efficiency over wisdom and balance. Progress, they argue, risks becoming its own undoing when it serves domination instead of liberation. This paradox resonates today, where the pursuit of innovation often blinds us to its true costs.
Seeing Nature as a Subject
The Western way of thinking about Nature—as a resource to be managed or exploited—isn’t universal. In Indigenous Andean philosophy, the concept of Sumak Kawsay (or "harmonious living") offers an entirely different perspective. It views Nature not as an object but as a subject, alive with its own rhythms, rights, and agency. This worldview is so powerful that it inspired constitutional changes in Ecuador and Bolivia, recognizing the rights of Nature alongside human rights.
Such perspectives challenge us to reconsider our place in the world. They remind us that humans aren’t above Nature—we’re part of it. By seeing Nature as a living system, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of how our actions ripple through ecosystems, affecting lives, communities, and generations.
When Science Lacks a Compass
Science is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an indispensable tool for addressing challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. On the other, it’s not immune to misuse. Some scientists drive solutions, while others, knowingly or not, contribute to global crises by working for industries that prioritize profit over sustainability.
This disconnect raises uncomfortable questions. How can science, which is supposed to be a universal language, fail to unite us? Why do we see people distrusting scientific consensus on the climate crisis while other scientists actively fuel the problem?
The issue isn’t science itself but the lack of a moral compass to guide it. Without ethical considerations, innovation can become exploitation. A faster dyeing method for textiles may seem like progress, but if it pollutes rivers more than current techniques, can we truly call it an advancement?
A Small Act of Resistance
Faced with these contradictions, how do we realign our mindset? For me, it starts with something small but intentional: writing Nature with a capital N.
This tiny act is both a reminder and a statement. It reminds me that Nature is not just a tool but a living, breathing system of interconnected organisms and processes, working in harmony like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Writing it with a capital N elevates Nature from a passive backdrop to an active subject—one that demands and deserves respect.
It’s a way of resisting the narrative that Nature is ours to control. It’s a nudge to myself, day by day, to approach the world with humility and care.
Why This Matters
Our actions ripple through the web of life. Recognizing this interconnectedness helps us make choices that honor not just humanity but the ecosystems we’re part of. This isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about changing how we see ourselves in relation to it.
By looking to other cultural perspectives, like Sumak Kawsay, we expand our understanding of Nature’s role in our lives. These alternative views reveal the limitations of our current narratives and invite us to embrace new ways of thinking and living.
The Way Forward
The path to a more sustainable future isn’t just about better technology—it’s about transforming our values. It’s about moving from a mindset of domination to one of stewardship, from exploitation to harmony.
The real question isn’t what we can take from Nature but how we can coexist with it. How can we co-create a world that respects the intricate tapestry of life?
Every small shift in perspective matters. And for me, it begins with a simple capital N.
*Cover image features original artwork by Dina Mohrs. Please honor the creative process by refraining from reproducing or printing without explicit permission.