A systems approach to the views of Jean-Jacques Rousseau on human-nature connection.

Abstract

In environmental sciences, research on psychological and physical human-nature connection has recently expanded, revealing a diverse phenomenon associated with well-being, prosociality, and pro-environmentality. This paper argues that in his time, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) described a similar phenomenon with similar consequences, explaining its origin and importance in a nuanced manner that is able to bring new insights to the current theoretical frameworks on human-nature connection. In this paper, an interpretation of Rousseau's philosophy with a systems approach is presented. Furthermore, by integrating it with temporary philosophy of systems biology and other relevant underpinnings, a framework for nature connectedness called the life-sustenance hypothesis is advanced, suggesting that all organisms are guided by two fundamental, parallel orientations: A self-sustaining orientation for self-preservative purposes and a life-sustaining orientation for sustaining surrounding life. Rousseau did not speak in these terms, but referred to different 'manners-of-being', the dynamics of which can be described with his central terms, amour-de-soi, amour-propre, and pitié. He suggested that the modern, individualistic lifestyle has introduced an excessive imbalance in these manners-of-beings, with harmful consequences on our well-being and the way we treat other beings. One possible solution Rousseau explored to resolve this imbalance-along with the political, educational, and domestic ones-was restoring personal inner peace, 'harmony with Nature'. The experience of harmony, I suggest, greatly resembles the immersive psychological nature connectedness depicted by contemporary research. Rousseau's system of thought is able to bring clarity into why we experience nature connectedness, and why it affects us the way it does.