Do you believe you are an intrinsic part of nature or separate from nature?

Question

Harihara: I did indeed mean the whole universe. It is all a part of the whole.

These are all very interesting answers. I believe we are an intrinsic part of nature. While the definition of nature has been questioned, I think of it as the natural world around us, including the cosmos. How we live in it and what we do with it depends on how we view our part in it.

I'm going to put this to a vote. Thank you all for answering.

Answer 1

I am nature.

Answer 2

How you define 'nature'? If you mean nature, as in what's natural, then yes, humans are natural and hence a part of it. The only things that might not be part of nature, according to this definition, are things which are artificial (ie., not natural; eg spoons, air conditioning; hair curling wands, etc).

And again, if you mean 'Nature', with a capital N, then we're probably talking about everything that is under the influence of Nature; which should include just about everything that exists, including time, computers, robots, disposable nappies (diapers), the entire Universe, and of course...last but not least... [ahem]... humans.

So either way, we're very much part of it. Can't see why or how anyone would think otherwise, unless they have some other kind of weird definition of 'nature'...

Answer 3

I think the majority of people would see only themselves as an intrinsic part of nature, which actually they are,

However, there are some, like me, who wear a dual hat in this matter. While I'm certainly an intrinsic part, I am also seperated from nature in that I can have a relationship with Christ that allows me to be above the animals and the earth.

It is not a super power thing, it is a positional standing in Christ to have dominion over the earth and subdue it.

In that regard, it makes me a steward to protect and care for what is around me, be it a human in need, or practicing conservation. We care for the earth (not this political save the earth deal, we can't save the earth) as our home and we protect our homes.

You also can be in that dual role, but you must be in Jesus Christ to do that.

Answer 4

Part of nature and yet separate at the same time. All nature interacts and has the same means of survival such as the higher animals and humans have two eyes ,two ears usually 4 limbs.The predators have eyes in front ,the preyed upon eyes more on the side to see us coming.We all mate using coitus (except fish).Where we are different is ,God gave us the job of basically ,overseeing nature which for the most part is uncontrollable.

Answer 5

Well, no one ever seems to bother defining what "nature" is, so the questions about it can seem a little vague.

I define nature as everything in the world. That includes any lurking Gods or Goddesses.

Therefore, nothing can be separate from nature.

Answer 6

If you take a step back and look at space and the planets, our solar system, etc you’ll realise how small we are! I agree with the statement that I am not a human on a spiritual journey but a spirit on a human journey, so I believe im a sprit part of nature now, but when I die I will embark on another journey and will not be?!

Answer 7

I am living and breathing, I am an intrinsic part of nature. My energy combines with the energy of the universe.

Answer 8

The Divine a part of Nature, Man a part of Nature, Man a part of the Divine.

Answer 9

Intrinsic part of nature. All sentient beings are divine by nature, it's human consciousness that closes itself to the enormity of the Universe. In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh 'We are here to rid ourselves of the illusion of our separateness'......it applies to everything. Namaste

Answer 10

All life is part of nature. Everything on the planet is part of nature. Nature is the physical world.

atheist

Answer 11

I'm a human being, which is to say an animal, specifically a mammal.

Of course I'm a part of nature (and everything I do is natural)