Who do we think we are? Attitudes to nature and our future | Matthijs Schouten | TEDxApeldoorn

Summary

This thought-provoking speech explores humanity's relationship with nature, challenging the idea of humans as owners of the Earth. The speaker examines various perspectives—ownership, stewardship, partnership, and interconnectedness—and argues that our treatment of the planet reflects our self-image. They stress the urgent need for a shift in mindset toward a deeper connection with all life forms, highlighting environmental crises and the power of individual action. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the collective potential to create positive change and achieve a sustainable future through interconnectedness and intentional living.

Takeaways

• 🌍 We must reconsider our relationship with nature—are we owners, stewards, or partners?
• 🚨 We are living through global crises, like biodiversity loss and climate change, which threaten all life.
• 🌱 Our attitude toward nature is shaped by both personal experiences and cultural influences.
• 📜 Western civilization traditionally views nature as a resource for human use, but this mindset contributes to environmental crises.
• 🙏 Some cultural traditions, like Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, emphasize stewardship or partnership with nature rather than ownership.
• 🐍 Different cultures, like Burmese Buddhists, view animals as fellow creatures that deserve respect and protection.
• 💡 There is a growing understanding that humans are interconnected with nature, and our well-being depends on the health of the planet.
• 🧘‍♂️ The concept of 'interbeing' highlights that all life forms are interconnected, and our actions impact the world around us.
• 🙌 Individual actions, thoughts, and intentions can influence the world and create resonance, leading to larger systemic change.
• 🌊 Social change can happen quickly if a critical mass (around 25%) embraces a new worldview rooted in sustainability and connection to nature.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main argument about humanity's relationship with nature?

The speaker argues that humanity's relationship with nature is critical to our future. He questions whether we view ourselves as owners, stewards, or partners of nature and suggests that we must realize our interconnectedness with the natural world to ensure sustainability.

How does personal experience influence one's attitude toward nature, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that personal experiences, such as growing up in a city or countryside, can greatly shape one's attitude toward nature. He shares his own childhood experience in the countryside, which fostered a deep connection with nature.

What cultural factors contribute to shaping our views on nature?

Cultural systems, such as teachings from parents, educators, and media, shape our views on nature. For example, if a child is told to kill a spider, they might grow up seeing nature as something to control or fear.

How does the Western philosophical tradition influence how we treat nature?

Western tradition, influenced by philosophers like Aristotle and Christianity, has historically viewed nature as a resource for human use, fostering the idea that humans are the highest beings and that nature exists to serve us.

What alternative views about nature exist in other cultural traditions?

In some traditions, such as Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, humans are viewed as stewards or partners of nature. For example, Buddhists see animals as fellow beings that should not be harmed, reflecting a more respectful and interconnected relationship.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'interbeing'?

The term 'interbeing' refers to the concept that all living things are interconnected and dependent on one another. It suggests that humans are not separate from nature but are a part of it, with their well-being linked to the well-being of the Earth.

Why does the speaker believe that changing our attitude toward nature is urgent?

The speaker believes that unless we change the way we treat the Earth, we are endangering both our well-being and that of all life on the planet. Global crises like biodiversity loss and climate change make this shift more urgent than ever.

What is the significance of the story about the young couple who named their child after the speaker?

The story illustrates the idea of 'participation' or 'interbeing,' showing how the speaker's words influenced the couple’s decision to have their child. It emphasizes the power individuals have to impact the world in ways they may not even realize.

What is the speaker's view on individual power in addressing global crises?

The speaker argues that individuals are not powerless. By living with a sense of interconnectedness and participation, people can create a ripple effect that influences others and contributes to a larger societal shift toward sustainability.

What does the speaker mean by a 'tipping point' in societal change?

The speaker refers to a 'tipping point' as the moment when a critical mass (around 25%) of society adopts a new worldview and behavior, leading to a paradigm shift. He suggests that we are close to this point, with 10-15% already trying to live sustainably.