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Discover the principles that can heal our relationship with nature, helping us to feel at one with the world around us and save the planet for future generations.
Summary of Braiding Sweetgrass
You’ll learn
- About the best land healers
- What a democracy of species is and how to reach it
- Limits of science that indigenous knowledge can overcome
- The challenges of the Potawatomi nation
Table of content
- Summary of Braiding Sweetgrass
- About the author
- What is Braiding Sweetgrass about?
- Who should read Braiding Sweetgrass
- Topics in Braiding Sweetgrass
first key point
Mother Earth isn't just a literal expression
Listen the first key point
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Scientists have been studying nature for centuries, yet it continues to bring surprises. For instance, recent research has discovered that the scent of humus makes us release oxytocin. Usually, this hormone strengthens the bond between the closest people, like mother and child. Why do our brains react to humus this way? What if our current beliefs about the environment are inexact?
In Western culture, we see the world through the lens of hierarchy. People are incomparable, occupying the top position while others are beneath them. Unsurprisingly, we often treat animals, plants, or land as resources. We all know the consequences of this attitude: global warming, deforestation, over-fishing, extinction of species, tons of waste, and the like. It's high time for us to rethink our relationship with nature.
What is the alternative approach? Native Americans believe people are the youngest on Earth; therefore, they should learn from other beings. Let's look at plants. They provide for themselves and sustain life on the whole planet. When insects attack a tree, it manufactures pheromones, warning others and encouraging them to produce defensive chemicals. Forests also have “social media” — fungal strands in soil. These networks resemble Robin Hood. They distribute the carbohydrates equally among all the trees. Impressive, right?
Initially, we were all aware of nature's wisdom and had a respectful attitude toward it. Yet we have abandoned this knowledge while adjusting to capitalistic society's rules. It's mostly forgotten but not lost. Native Americans remember it. So do our brains as reactions to humus confirm. Join our eye-opening expedition to recall the principles that will help to save the Earth for future generations.
In Western culture, we see the world through the lens of hierarchy. People are incomparable, occupying the top position while others are beneath them. Unsurprisingly, we often treat animals, plants, or land as resources. We all know the consequences of this attitude: global warming, deforestation, over-fishing, extinction of species, tons of waste, and the like. It's high time for us to rethink our relationship with nature.
What is the alternative approach? Native Americans believe people are the youngest on Earth; therefore, they should learn from other beings. Let's look at plants. They provide for themselves and sustain life on the whole planet. When insects attack a tree, it manufactures pheromones, warning others and encouraging them to produce defensive chemicals. Forests also have “social media” — fungal strands in soil. These networks resemble Robin Hood. They distribute the carbohydrates equally among all the trees. Impressive, right?
Initially, we were all aware of nature's wisdom and had a respectful attitude toward it. Yet we have abandoned this knowledge while adjusting to capitalistic society's rules. It's mostly forgotten but not lost. Native Americans remember it. So do our brains as reactions to humus confirm. Join our eye-opening expedition to recall the principles that will help to save the Earth for future generations.
The most powerful tool to protect the environment is changing how we perceive nature.
second key point
Science is a crucial source of knowledge, but not the only one
It took Robin Wall Kimmerer a long time to remember nature's wisdom. Although she is a member of the Potawatomi (a Native American nation), she had to adjust to Western standards during her studies. Many professors encouraged her to concentrate only on scientific data, stating that stories from Kimmerer's elders weren't based on evidence.
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third key point
Democracy of species is at the core of the indigenous outlook
fourth key point
Let's replace consumerism with a culture of reciprocity
fifth key point
How gratitude can protect the environment
sixth key point
Restoration of Earth and our attitude to it is a promising solution
seventh key point
We could lose Potawatomi's perspective on nature
eighth key point
Conclusion
What is Braiding Sweetgrass about?
Who should read Braiding Sweetgrass
Topics in Braiding Sweetgrass
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