(This essay was designed and written through an analysis of Kellert’s, “Birthright”)
What is an aesthetic? According to Merriam Webster, an aesthetic is “a particular theory or conception of beauty or art: a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight” (Webster). So, how do aesthetics fit into human attraction towards nature? The concept of aesthetic attraction to nature is discussed by Kellert, but was originally advanced by two eminent biologists, E.O. Wilson and Aldo Leopold. Both Wilson and Leopold stood firmly behind the belief that “our aesthetic affinity for nature, particularly a sense of beauty, is central to human and ecological fitness, and just perhaps a consequence of their interrelationship” (Kellert 4). Thought at first glance, the individual’s aesthetic attraction to nature may been seen as naive or in-genuine, if cultivated, “an aesthetic attraction can inspire deeper understanding and involvement” of the natural world (4). Our admiration of and overall draw to nature is a confirmation that we do, in fact, need it so as to nurture a genuine, positive relationship with the world around us.
In order to understand this idea of aesthetic attraction a bit more, having a firm grasp on the Biophilia Hypothesis is of the utmost importance. Biologist E.O. Wilson founded this hypothesis, describing it as “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms.” Bio-philia actually translates directly to “love for life.” This aesthetic attraction we have towards nature is something to be treasured, as it can inspire those who appreciate only its beauty, to care a bit more deeply. When we show up for nature in all its rare forms, we become awakened by all that the natural world has to offer — and all it continues to offer us, every day we are alive.
The psychological connection the individual has to nature in its beauty is something scientists and psychologists alike, have been studying in depth for some time now. Why is it that we are so attracted to nature in its beautiful forms, yet turned off by its rare and seemingly “not aesthetically pleasing” forms? In “Environmental Aesthetics, Ethics and Ecoaesthetics,” a publication written by Sandra Shapshay, the author delves into the views of environmental philosopher J. Baird Callicott, quoting his claim that “Natural aesthetic evaluation … has made a terrific difference to American conservation policy and management… [w]hat kind of country we consider to be exceptionally beautiful makes a huge difference when we come to decide which places to save, which to restore or enhance, and which to allocate to other uses. Therefore, a sound natural aesthetics is crucial to sound conservation policy and land management” (Shapshay 1). Environmental aesthetics in some forms, are significantly important to the way nature continues to exist in the world as we know it.
Another key aspect of aesthetic attraction to the natural world is the elegance and grace it provides to a world that is otherwise imperfect. Kellert notes this in his writing when he discusses the routine of bringing flowers into a hospital, or paying more for a room that overlooks a body of water. We rarely even think about these acts as reflecting our inherent bond to nature — these elements naturally make us feel secure and safe. The complex ecosystem we are a part of continually allows us to escape the reality of a harsh world, in times when we need it most, and our interest or curiosity to learn more about the natural world around us could provide an impetus for the progression of caring for the environment and its elements. Where would we really be without nature’s beauty? It’s something to reflect upon: “our senses would become dull, our emotions flattened, our intellect withered, and our capacity to find meaning in our lives, replaced by cynicism and pessimism” (Kellert 17).
Interlude
An Instagram-worthy Interest
I’ve seen human attraction to nature play out in more than a few areas of my life. Some of this attraction I’ve seen as real, genuine and beautiful. My parents often spend weekends in the summer section-hiking the Appalachian Trail. They tent camp, hike miles every day, and absolutely adore all that nature has to offer along the way. I see their relationship with the natural world as admirable — it shows me how important it is to protect and preserve our ecosystems, so that they are able to continue enjoying their hikes. As individuals, they give back to the Earth by treading lightly, and leaving nothing as they go. This authentic draw to nature is something very beautiful, and very special.
Today, we live in a world where new media has essentially taken over. The relationship my parents have with the natural world is one that many in my generation may feel further removed from. We are often glued to our phones, awaiting posts from friends and following alike. We, like all generations before us, follow trends — but today we “follow” those who influence us. We aspire to be influencers of people around us. We aspire to make things trendy. Younger generations take to social media to share photos of hikes, nature walks and photo shoots at the beach. In fact, there are over 599 million posts on Instagram in this second, posted publicly with the hashtag “nature.” Though hashtag culture is a whole separate conversation in and of itself, this statistic is striking to me. Our world is obsessed with aesthetic. Is this a bad thing? I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my genuine answer to this question, and when it comes down to it, I really don’t think it is. Though older generations may argue millennials are too preoccupied with new media and trend-setting culture, I believe that if this sparks an interest in people to create or nurture a new relationship with nature — however that may come about — then it is a positive. If we can expose more individuals to the natural world and all its beauty, by using environmental aesthetics as a tool to do so, then I hope these influencers continue to use social media to do just that. Maybe this is done to be “trendy,” maybe it is done to gain more likes or more followers. For whatever reason, people of all ages, genders, sexualities, races and ethnicities are drawn to the aesthetic of the natural world — and social media is providing a space for this aesthetic enjoyment to be further explored. Maybe the natural world has become an “Instagram-worthy interest,” but I believe the positives the online world has provided us with in further exploring nature, heavily outweigh the negatives. We must remember that “we cannot flourish as individuals or as a species absent a benign and benevolent relationship to the world beyond ourselves of which we are a part” (Kellert xiv).
References:
Kellert, Stephen R. Birthright: People and Nature in the Modern World. Yale University Press, 2014.
Sandra Shapshay, Levi Tenen, ALLEN CARLSON, Environmental Aesthetics, Ethics, and Ecoaesthetics, The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, Volume 76, Issue 4, October 2018, Pages 399–410, https://doi.org/10.1111/jaac.12586