Human sensitivity towards nature: Eastern and Western perspectives
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-05-2015-0023 |
| Pages | 172-182 |
| Published date | 13 July 2015 |
| Date | 13 July 2015 |
| Author | Anne K. Randerson |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Human sensitivity towards
nature: Eastern and Western
perspectives
Anne K. Randerson
Cross Cultural Horizons, Encinitas, California, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to focus on the religious and philosophical ways humans view
nature, and how we perceive and treat our planet, including all its living entities. Its purpose is to make
a positive influence on individuals living in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, so that those who
are unaware may be given an unexpected glimpse at our current human situation, which appears
increasingly discouraging with regard to sensitivity towards nature.
Design/methodology/approach –By offering a subtle, insightful view of human nature and its
connection to religion and the universe, rather than facts and statistics on pollution alone, this
conceptual paper introduces theoretical and philosophical discussions from comparative literature as
well as narratives from actual interviews conducted in Japan.
Findings –As human beings, we need to better define our position in this world, in order to learn to
appreciate the true value of our own existence. With regard to the question of where humans lie in
nature, a basic difference exists between Asian and Western views. The Asian view of nature has
traditionally regarded humans and the universe as continually interacting together –human beings
are an integral part of life. This differs from the basic Western notion of humans and nature
comprising two separate, opposing elements.
Originality/value –This paper offers readers a deeper understanding of how humans feel and
perceive nature, to help them realize how urgent it is for us to respect our natural resources on Earth.
Keywords Religion, Sustainability, Sensitivity, Nature, Human, Spiritual
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
With the world growing closer together, diverse cultures have merged and now,
contemporary society all over the globe tends to focus on the scientific, technological
advances originally acquired from the West. This technological progress has greatly
modified our lifestyles. It has become a focal point in our relationships and has changed
how we see and treat our planet as well as the non-human entities with whom we co-exist.
In Western societies, intellectual and philosophical pursuits generally seem to be
considered less important than certain scientific and technological accomplishments.
This attitude is in sharp contrast to the Far-Eastern viewpoint that real knowledge
is internal and non-verbal, and cannot be identified or classified by concepts.
In Far-Eastern cultures, a substantial sense of oneness with nature has traditionally
prevailed. Would not it be advantageous if the cultures of the West could adopt this
attitude and realize that humans are not the centre –the absolute, dominant force in our
natural environment –but only one part of our universe?
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 12 No. 3, 2015
pp. 172-182
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-05-2015-0023
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
The author would like to express gratitude to the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho) for a six-year Japanese government scholarship to Japan
to conduct research on the subject of Human Lifestyle and Sensitivity Towards Nature. The author
would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff at the Koriyama Women’s
University in Fukushima Prefecture, Tohoku University, and Meiji University in Tokyo.
172
WJSTSD
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