I commented on How to Land about Eco Ethics. The underlying principle is deep ecology which shifts us from an environmental anthropocentric and views all living beings as having inherent worth and not merely instrumental value. Deep ecology understand a complex interdependence between all living beings and allows that to guide decision-making. We are part of the Earth and not holding dominion over it in this sense. We can make similar decisions about harvesting, mining, and building as we do but use numerous perspectives in doing so.
James Hatley wrote, The Uncanny Goodness of Being Edible to Bears. He referred to hunters, outdoors people, and survivors of bear attacks. People, who are deep ecologists, revere Nature and understand the risks of entering wilderness. Their view is Nature and what it holds makes us more human and complete, as we are one with Nature and not separate.
I wrote this poem as one way to better understand the concept myself.
Am I more than the sum of parts?
More than just a body, a mind, a spirit?
If so, what role might the bee play?
The one who manufactured honey?
The one I so enjoyed with bread today.
Is he or she part of me?
Or, is there even more to it than that?
What about the clover?
The water and other things used in delectable manufacture?
Can I now take that Bee’s perspective?
Ever so fleetingly,
Does it make a difference?
Might it be a lesson in being more human?
Letting the Bee be part of me?
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 