Edward O. Wilson’s Biophilia Hypothesis
Edward O. Wilson, a Harvard University entomologist, coined the term “biophilia”, referring to humans’ “love of living things” – our innate affinity with nature.
A somewhat controversial hypothesis put forward by Edward Wilson is the idea that humans evolved as creatures deeply enmeshed with the intricacies of nature, and that we still have this affinity with nature ingrained in our genotype.
Wilson describes biophilia as the “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes.”
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Quotes by Wilson about Biophilia & related topics
Most children have a bug period, and I never grew out of mine.
Edward O. Wilson, Naturalist
Humanity is exalted not because we are so far above other living creatures, but because knowing them well elevates the very concept of life.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p. 22
I have argued in this book that we are human in good part because of the particular way we affiliate with other organisms. They are the matrix in which the human mind originated and is permanently rooted, and they offer the challenge and freedom innately sought. To the extent that each person can feel like a naturalist, the old excitement of the untrammeled world will be regained. I offer this as a formula of reenchantment to invigorate poetry and myth: mysterious and little known organisms live within walking distance of where you sit. Splendor awaits in minute proportions.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p. 139
The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.
Edward O. Wilson, Biophilia, 1984, p, 121