Biophilia

9/13/2016

Hello everybody! Recently I've been thinking a lot about humans role in the environment and how we should respond to certain global issues in the world. I've come across a theory called Biophilia coined by Harvard professor and sociobiologist EO Wilson where he describes biophilia as "the connection that humans subconsciously seek with the rest of life". Because of technological advancement maybe we are disconnecting more from nature where we are constantly finding ourselves indoors for the majority of the day or in cars. Is there a way in our modern way of life to become more biophilic in our design of cities and materials, education system, or even our thoughts toward one another? In the end, just like what our LeConte shirts read, "nature is not just a place to visit it is home". What do you all think?

The low last night dipped to 49 and the current temp is 61.9 with cloudy skies. Enjoy the day!

Woody

9/13/2016 05:13:54 pm

I am pretty sure that there is a documented condition called "nature deficit disorder".

tomk in SC

9/13/2016 05:32:51 pm

The theme in "Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is in the vascinity of this. The author tells of smelling the earth as you go by on a motorcycle v the portable cocoon we create around ourselves when we travel by other means. As time goes on we find a plethora of newer and better ways to separate ourselves from our surroundings. So some of us hike!

Diane Schmidt

9/13/2016 05:46:45 pm

I agree. I am so tired of tech, phones and TV. I never have a need for any of that when vacationing in your area. Nature to me certainly is home and I always feel like I am truly home when surrounded by the mountains!

Larry

9/13/2016 07:38:12 pm

Recently as I have been hiking on the local trails in Ohio, I have been appalled. I'm encountering an increasing number of hikers talking on the phone or listening to music, some even without headphones.
People please, this is offensive to me and the forest gods. They might as well dump a load in the middle of the trail. Stop, stop, stop it !

phillip

9/14/2016 07:31:30 am

Yes, indeed, technology is obscuring our natural world and our general connection with it. We are a part of nature, not its ruler. I like the Lodge t-shirt but the elevation should read 6,360.

LeConte Lover

9/14/2016 09:45:03 am

Phillip, here is my question in regards to the elevation. Do you use the elevation where you purchase the t-shirt? Or, the elevation where you stand to get the photo op pic? Or, the elevation for the dining room, where you wear the t-shirt? Or, even Cliff Tops? It is really hard to pin down the correct elevation for the lodge area considering it sits on a mountain side. I think that is why they use the elevation for the peak. I would guess 98% of the people who hike to the lodge check out High Top, the actual peak for Mt. LeConte.

TwistyP

9/14/2016 12:11:24 pm

An appropriate reply. I cringe every time someone tries to revive this dead horse.

doug y link

9/14/2016 09:00:27 am

Yes Phillip, we are but a part of nature, small yet influential, but nonetheless just a small variable in the overall equation. And I cannot agree more with Diane about technology. I spent nearly twenty years as a civil engineer but today's technology has left me far behind but when I am surrounded by the Smoky Mountains I have no need of it. And Larry, I wish that there was some way to keep people from having and using their "devices" out on the trails, but I fear this cannot be done. Maybe those of us who abhor this are in the minority, but that's ok. And if you hike the trails, particularly Alum in my past experience, you will see that some thoughtless people have "dumped a load" along the trail if not right in the middle of it ! Sad. Well, we can just keep on trekking. The Lodge awaits me which keeps me optimistic. G'day.

Marilyn

9/14/2016 10:26:03 am

Just did my annual hike to LeConte on 9/11-12. As always a great pleasure even though it gets harder and harder at my age (75) Went up Alum and down Boulevard. I know, I know, Boulevard's long and arduous but it is still my favorite trail. Only saw 2 people before getting to the Jump Off so it was a nice quiet hike with only nature to hear and enjoy except for the few times my sister and I conversed. Great to see Henry again and one of the guys, Paul, who has been going up the same time every year of have since '95. As always food, service and accommodations were superb and there was even a nice sunset. Got my fix for a while so I'm happy!

Paul

9/14/2016 11:52:53 am

Yes, when I am in nature (hiking, biking, running, or just sitting) I feel way more connected to myself than when I am doing other activities. My hike up and stay at the Lodge a couple of week ago was a welcome getaway for that exact reason. So yes I believe in Biophilla in this way.

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Biophilia

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