Words as Seeds of Change

Words, like seeds, have the power to shape our thoughts, our actions, and ultimately, our world. The way we define “nature” influences how we perceive our place within it. If we see ourselves as separate, as the Oxford English Dictionary currently suggests, we risk perpetuating a dangerous disconnect.

This detachment, born from the rationalist worldview of the 17th century, has led to a mechanistic view of nature—a view that has justified exploitation and fueled environmental degradation. But science tells a different story. It reveals the intricate dance between humans and the natural world, a dance in which we are both participants and choreographers.

Unraveling the Myth of Human Exceptionalism

From the intricate symphony of neurons firing in our brains to the bustling microbiome that thrives within us, we are inextricably linked to the intricate web of life. To deny this connection is to deny our very essence, our fundamental nature.

Yet, the meaning of “nature” has been twisted and manipulated over time, often excluding humanity from its embrace. This artificial divide, rooted in historical and philosophical constructs, has led us down a path of environmental exploitation and ecological crisis.

But language is not immutable. It’s a living, breathing entity that evolves alongside our understanding of the world. As science unveils the profound interconnectedness of all living beings, it challenges us to re-examine our vocabulary and embrace a more inclusive definition of nature.

A Language of Connection

The “We Are Nature” campaign is not merely a linguistic exercise. It’s a call to action, a plea to rewild our language and, in turn, rewild ourselves. By reshaping our lexicon, we can foster a deeper sense of connection and responsibility towards the natural world.

Imagine a generation of children who grow up understanding that they are not separate from nature but an integral part of it. They would inherit a legacy of stewardship, valuing the environment not as a resource to be exploited but as a home to be cherished and protected.

Reclaiming Our Bond with the Wild

Let us move beyond the cold, calculating language of “natural capital” and embrace words that ignite our sense of awe and wonder. Words that remind us of the breathtaking beauty, the intricate complexity, and the delicate fragility of the natural world.

The subtle shift from “nature” to “environment” in our vocabulary reflects a growing disconnect, a perception of humans as separate entities rather than active participants in the ecological symphony. But the tide is turning. The Oxford English Dictionary’s recent acknowledgment of a broader definition of “nature” that includes humans is a testament to this shift.

The “We Are Nature” campaign beckons us to reclaim our place in the natural world, to embrace our wildness, and to celebrate the interconnectedness of all living beings. By changing our language, we can change our mindset, our actions, and ultimately, our relationship with the planet.

Let us use words that connect us, that inspire us, and that remind us that we are not just in nature, but of nature.