Nature and Humanity

• Almost every industry is contributing to climate and ecological breakdown.
• The separation of humans from nature in Western culture can be traced back to the rise of Judeo-Christian values 2000 years ago.
• Prior to that, belief systems with multiple gods and earth spirits dominated, considering humanity as part of nature.
• Anthropocentrism, a system of beliefs that frames humans as separate from and superior to the nonhuman world, laid the foundations of modern Western society.
• The opposition between reason and nature legitimised the subjugation of social groups.
• Viewing the natural world as separated from humans is not only ethically problematic but empirically false.
• Governments and corporations have destabilised the fundamental chemistry of the global climate system.
• Indigenous belief systems often portray nonhumans as kin with intrinsic value to be respected.
• Eastern philosophies and religions entangle humanity and nature, emphasising that all things depend on others for their existence and well-being.
• Bhutan measures progress against a “gross national happiness” index, prioritising human and ecological well-being over economic growth.

Test your knowledge on the relationship between humans and nature throughout history and across cultures. Explore the impact of anthropocentrism on Western society and the ecological breakdown caused by it. Learn about indigenous belief systems and Eastern philosophies that view humans as part of nature and promote respect for nonhumans. Discover how Bhutan measures progress against a "gross national happiness" index, prioritizing human and ecological well-being over economic growth. Take this quiz to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and evolving relationship between