[JAVO]

I'm finally getting around to something which resembles a reply to this thread... so many interesting thoughts here. I'll reply to a few, and wisecrack to a few others.

Originally Posted by alcea rosea

I agree.
I personally love the nature but when the nature comes and eats my dog, I hate it. So nature - stay away from my front yard.

You NF's just need everything to be perfect don't you?

Originally Posted by yugyug

The guy digging the ore is closer in proximity to nature than the gal tightening the bolt in the car factory, for instance. However, this doesn't mean that the ore miner is definitely "close to nature" in the sense I think you mean. He may be touching the earth, but he may not be any more "aware of nature" than the car factory gal who goes on long hikes in the forest whenever she gets a chance.

Yes, but the guy eating sushi straight from the river is much closer to nature than the guy in New York city eating his business lunch at a sushi bar. If we had the choice of where to hunt or what to feed our farm animals, would we really pump them full of hormones and antibiotics?

Originally Posted by yugyug

I think the onset of the industrial age caused an increase in the number of people who were distanced from interaction with nature/wilderness. At the same time, I think that trend is slowly reversing again because of technological advancements. As things become more automated, people are gaining more free time to travel and "go back to nature." Because various belief systems (Native American, New Age, Green movement) are gaining popularity, because of shows like Survivor and Man vs Wild, and because of a gradual change in curriculum in our schools, more people are taking treks into the wilderness. And, chances are, while they are there, a percentage of them will be filled with wonder while experiencing nature. And, they may go back and talk to others -- such as you do -- and those others may then be inspired to go see for themselves.

Very true. I hope so!

Originally Posted by yugyug

I think, on a personal level, the disconnect's impact depends upon the personality and upbringing of the individual.

I agree. Most aren't aware of their unawareness enough to correct it.

Originally Posted by yugyug

Again, though, you may be talking about something deeper in the psychology of a society. Are there more crimes perpetrated by those who are "disconnected" than those who are tuned to nature? Are depression rates higher among the "disconnected?" I haven't looked up such stats.

The answer is probably self-evident for environmental crimes, and environmentally-adverse actions which should be crimes. I think (Ne without Ti data) that if people respected nature more, they would respect each other more. Maybe if more experienced the natural high of hiking or other exercise outdoors, they would be less inclined to seek a high which impacts society negatively in other ways?

Originally Posted by yugyug

I think it is a bit biased to say that being aware of nature's power & ability to care for our needs makes a difference in our happiness. I've had the same bias. When I stepped outside that belief, I realized that a multitude are genuinely happy while thinking milk is born in a carton.

That's a great point, and I agree. I also think that society is heavily biased against people ever becoming aware of nature enough to make their own determination. From a behavioristic psychology perspective, there are too many rewards in place for them to exercise their free will.

Originally Posted by Bella

'shrooms are bad for you my darling. Live above the influence....

Originally Posted by bluemonday

I had a huge post prepared but Firefox has stolen it so this will have to do (not typing all that again!).

See! The evils of technology have even affected the quality of this thread!

Originally Posted by bluemonday

It might be better for nature if it did. Rather than all the plundering and destroying type stuff that goes on?

True!

Originally Posted by bluemonday

Sometimes nature is unnatural: Death to American Invading Squirrels

Hey, leave 'em be! No one told them the Revolutionary War ended, and they've launched their own invasion!

Originally Posted by bluemonday

Sometimes nature isn't black and white We need a Big Bad Wolf

That was attempted in some wolf-less areas around here without much success. My guess is farmers have some effective poisoning methods. Some areas of the US still have wolves though, fortunately.

Originally Posted by bluemonday

Sometimes disconnecting is a good idea The Cairngorm Poo Project !

Yes, disconnected is good!

Originally Posted by bluemonday

I think the Sami have the right idea with their Reindeer herding and their nomadic tendencies. I'd love to joik in a yurt! It sounds yurty.

Yurts are cool! We should have a forum meetup in Northern Finland this Winter in one!

Originally Posted by bluemonday

I wonder about technology....

Originally Posted by bluemonday

P.S. You look like...mmmmm....Bear Grylls...

I'm only his forum and bug-eating scene double.

Originally Posted by bluemonday

P.P.S GINGER NUTS RULE.

I agree! I ate them right off a ginger nut tree once... right after I snacked on these strange-tasting, rare mushrooms.

Originally Posted by TPol

I thought I'd mention to you that I found a book at the library. It is called, "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. Subtitle: "Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder." ISBN-13: 978-1-56512-522-3. I haven't started reading it yet. I'll let you know what I think.

Awesome! I'll add that to my read list! I like that Whitman quote.