Nature
The word nature originates from the Latin natura, meaning birth, character, or constitution. Natura stems from the verb nasci, which means to be born. In classical Latin, it referred to the inherent qualities or essential properties of things, encompassing the natural world and the processes of life and growth. This root connects to ideas of creation, emergence, and the fundamental qualities that define living and non-living things. Over time, nature came to denote the physical world, encompassing all plants, animals, landscapes, and phenomena not created by humans.
Biophilia
The word biophilia is derived from two Greek roots: bio- (βίος), meaning life or living, and -philia (φιλία), meaning love or affection. It was popularized by the psychologist Erich Fromm in the 1960s and later by biologist E.O. Wilson in the 1980s. Fromm used it to describe the human tendency to be attracted to all that is alive and vital, while Wilson expanded it to refer to humanity’s innate affinity for the natural world and living organisms. The term reflects the idea that humans have a deep, instinctual connection to life and nature.
Finding Joy in Nature and Photography
Biophilia: The Love of Life
Why photograph nature? Why spend time in it? Why nature? I’m filled with biophilia, the love of life and living things. From the black squirrels unique to Fairmount Park to the deer that roam freely, there’s a joy in seeing creatures that few in the concrete jungle of Philadelphia get to experience.
“I feel like not many people in the city of Philadelphia can wake up in the morning and say that the first thing they saw was a deer.”
Aligning with Nature
There’s something profoundly grounding about being in nature—the open space, the fresh air, the rustling leaves. It’s a world far from the chaos of city life, yet full of life itself.
- Birds chirping
- Leaves rustling
- Fresh air filling the lungs
These simple elements make nature a place where I thrive.
The Magic of Nature Photography
“Nature is good. God is good.”
Photography in nature offers infinite novelty. Each walk brings a new scene as the seasons shift. Red, orange, and yellow leaves fall, decay, and transform the landscape.
Black and White Photography:
Abstracting the world through black-and-white photography can turn simple elements into something ethereal.
“When you go really close, using macro mode, and you get really close to leaves or natural things, they almost become like these grand landscapes.”
Nature as a Source of Joy
Spending time in nature is a simple yet profound way to find joy. Yesterday, I walked along the Schuylkill River Trail, where city meets nature. It’s a space where you can do street photography while still aligning with the rhythm of nature. And as the sun lowers during the winter months, being by the riverside allows me to bask in the sunlight—a source of joy and vitality.
Goethe and the Ubermensch
“Here we have Goethe… the first Ubermensch.”
Nietzsche admired Goethe, seeing him as an embodiment of the Ubermensch. This connection to greatness ties into my time in nature. Being alone in these spaces is when I feel “peak flourishing,” like watching the TV of life where leaves wiggle and fall.
Disconnecting for Meaning
“Try it out. Go to a park… spend at least an hour alone on a nature path without any phones, technology, whatever, and see what that does.”
There’s value in disconnecting from the noise of daily life and immersing oneself in the natural world. It provides clarity and a sense of belonging, a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of moments.
Conclusion: Embracing Nature for Happiness
Nature has a unique ability to remind us of the beauty in simplicity. From the joy of spotting a deer to capturing the changing seasons with a camera, these moments connect me to life in a deeper way. Whether it’s in the city or along the river, there’s always a reason to look up, breathe in, and find joy in the natural world.