The article discusses our perception of nature, particularly through the lens of Robert Macfarlane's work in his new book, "Is A River Alive?" It examines how our understanding and language can limit our appreciation of natural elements like rivers and trees, framing them purely in terms of their usefulness rather than recognizing their broader ecological roles. Drawing on Heidegger's concept of nature as a 'standing reserve,' the article underscores the consequences of perceiving the world through an instrumental lens, advocating for a more holistic reconceptualization of our relationship with nature.
A new world of color, shape, and depth overwhelms the eyes that have only ever been closed. These eyes are cameras on the world.
We are taught to see only the tree, cutting away its roots while abstracting and isolating its functions from the larger ecosystem.
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