idealist.org

The relationship between humankind and the natural world has been fractured. In some places, there is no relationship in evidence at all.

Every problem facing mankind*: from inter-personal conflict to international conflict; from social isolation to economic inequality to climate change, the losses of cultural, linguistic and bio-diversity, the loss of indigenous knowledge and the loss of indigenous species - all have been exacerbated by this growing bifurcation.

The earth and our relationship to it are all we have**. We can choose to deepen and enhance that relationship, explore its great potential, improve ourselves and the environment in the process, or continue to allow the forces of modern life to undo it.

The Sequitorian Society was founded to preserve, protect and enhance the relationship between mankind and the natural world.

"I believe that the horrifying deterioration in the ethical conduct of people today stems from the mechanization and dehumanization of our lives, the disastrous byproduct of the development of the scientific and technical mentality." A. Einstein

"The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy ... neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water." John W. Gardner

* Humankind, mankind and even (occasionally) man are used interchangeably in these pages. This is done purposefully to dispell any notion that significant improvement in the human condition can be enabled by simply re-structuring language.

* *This does not preclude the spiritual life.

The environmental movement is, at times, divided between two, often opposing, schools of thought. Often, (though not always), they fall along urban/rural lines.

On one side are those who tend to advocate a more "hands off" approach to environmental issues and generally have no direct utilitarian relationship with the earth and it’s resources. They promote a lifestyle which has as little impact as possible upon the natural world, using conscious consuming, green living and political action as the methodologies. They might subscribe to the mantra “Take only photographs; leave only footprints” or “Live lightly on this earth”, essentially a Thoreauvian perspective on nature.

Within this school of thought, Henry David Thoreau is often seen as the model for what mankind's relationship with the natural world should be. Thoreauvian environmentalists often regard his views, values and interests as most nearly reflective of their own. An appreciation of the great beauty of the natural world, the many things that can be learned simply through observation, the sense of tranquility and ultimately even higher consciousness which can be gained from exposure to nature, - are all within the core beliefs of Thoreauvian environmentalism and its adherents.

On the other side, whether by profession or avocation, are farmers, ranchers, builders, craftsmen, gardeners, hunters, fishermen and others who have a more directly utilitarian relationship with the natural world. They also appreciate the beauty of the natural world, strive to learn from it, and experience, at times, a sense of oneness with nature. They are often conscious consumers as well, and recognize the need for regulation and the importance of using the earth's resources in a sustainable manner.

Yet those who follow this second school of thought understand more fully that mankind’s very existence must impact the natural world, and that that impact can be proactive and positive. The Sequitorian Society supports this latter group, and encourages everyone to do likewise.

After all, the closer our connection to the earth, the better we can manage our use of its resources. The more removed our lifestyles are from the earth, the more we leave the fate of the planet in the hands of others.

If you are a builder or other craftsman, farmer, rancher, gardener, fisherman or hunter and you strive to make the best use of the earth’s resources in ways that are sustainable and promote biodiversity, you are already a Sequitorian. Become a better craftsman, farmer, rancher, gardener, fisherman or hunter and you are making the world a better place.

However, If you are not amongst those who directly use this earth’s resources, you’re participation is of the utmost importance. Conscious consuming is not enough. The gap between the two opposing camps must be bridged. The opportunities for you to reconnect with the earth are limited only by your own willingness to try. It is entirely up to you.

If you are near Cambridge, Massachusetts, please join The Sequitorian MeetUp in Harvard Square; http://philosophy.meetup.com/209/ .

Wherever you are, you can:
- Learn the natural source of everything you buy.
- Eliminate as many processes and people as possible between source and use.
- Think “local and natural”.

The above suggestions, while useful, are, however, still Thoreauvian – and detached from nature. To really understand the natural world – and your place in it, you must be a living part of nature. To do that, you must use its resources directly. So:
- Take up a craft or hobby that uses natural materials. That might be anything from cooking to woodworking, from remodeling your home to making your own clothing, from gardening to hunting.
- Learn to use those natural resources in a sustainable manner.

On-line, The Sequitorian Society offers the opportunity to:
- Exchange ideas, knowledge, experience.
- Support like-minded organizations.
- Refer other like-minded organizations.
- Participate in, sponsor and/or pass the word about upcoming events.
- Assist other members with personal projects (need help falling a tree?).
- Use your imagination.

Remember, though, if you have no direct experience of the natural world, you have no basis for ideas worth sharing. Get some experience first; then tell us what you think.

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As with all new ideas and approaches to problem-solving, input and feedback are essential ingredients. Each member will have a different perspective as well as different skills and knowledge. The environmental movement must be in the hands of men and women who have a close connection to the natural world. Moreover, everyone should have some direct utilitarian relationship with the natural world to ground their understanding of life.

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"To view the natural world from a purely utilitarian perspective is to close one’s heart to it. To take and not fully appreciate the value of what has been taken is an affront. To touch nature and not let oneself be touched by it is a lost opportunity. But to avoid touching nature is to avoid life, to exist without having lived, to substitute the ethereal for the carnal, to regard the physical world as beautiful, but vulgar." ©2008 - The Sequitorian Society

“To continue growing intellectually and spiritually, one must send downward new roots to ally us with the earth.” Henry David Thoreau

"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country." Theodore Roosevelt