Introduction
Some people may argue that technology makes our lives better in a way we would never have been able to achieve without it – the convenience and connectivity that only technology can provide. In an era of screens and digital disruptions, the need to get in touch with nature sounds more like a desperate plea. However, as Richard Louv keenly notes, “Rapidly emerging technologies are blending humans, animals and machines into a continuum with no boundaries”, which poses serious questions about our technology reliance (Emily 259). It is the time when we should recall timeless wisdom from Thoreau, Louv, and Dickinson and return to nature to embrace both peace and beauty that abounds in the natural world. This paper seeks to discuss the reasons why people need to embrace nature’s richness in order to reclaim our humanity and engage in a more balanced relationship with the world outside. The paper claims that after all technology is affecting our society in many ways and we should as people start explore the nature to become better people not reflect on technology.
Reasons and evidence to support the claim.
Some people may argue that technology provides unique conveniences and connectivity, but the evidence of Thoreau, Louv, and Dickinson gives a different picture. For instance, Henry David Thoreau’s statement, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately”, symbolizes nature’s converting ability (Emily 254). Thoreau, in his most famous book “Walden”, describes his experiment of simple living by living a life of solitary confinement in a cabin by the shores of Walden Pond. In this way, his conscious retreat into the outer limits of society points out the need for reflection and communion with nature. Thoreau argued that by getting into nature’s arms, one could get rid of the trappings of society and find greater depth about life. Thoreau drew his experiences from the woods to try to eliminate the elements of civilization and live by nature’s cycles. His deep respect for nature is an eternal testament to the power that nature has always had in bringing forth a nurturing of the human spirit and igniting a feeling of astonishment. In the same manner, Richard Louv’s statement that “Our society is teaching young people to shy away from direct experience of nature” defines the negative impact of technology on the bond between man and nature (Emily 259). Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods” is a revolutionary work in which he defines a new concept called “nature deficit disorder,” which aims to reflect children’s alienation from nature. He contends that with modern technology taking root in every part and sphere of our lives, we may need to pay attention to the natural beauty and mystery of nature. Louv’s deconstruction of modernity encourages us to revisit the values we live by and to go back to nature’s purity and proper form. Louv argues that by cultivating a closer bond with nature, we can nurture our respect for the environment and ensure that future generations carry this reverence for the Earth. Emily Dickinson’s poetry offers a poignant reflection on the human condition, celebrating the soul’s autonomy in choosing its society: ‘The soul selects her own Society’ (Emily 236). She found peace and comfort in her solitary life at Amherst, Massachusetts, where the peaceful landscape of nature inspired her. The intimacy of her communion with the natural world is reflected in her evocative verses filled with bird images, flower imagery and views of the landscape. Nature was never a mere backdrop for Dickinson but a reservoir of transcendent spiritual revelation and restoration. In the peace of her solitude, she found a refuge that was void of all the noises surrounding a busy city where the soul could find rest and communion with God. Dickinson’s poetry encourages people to appreciate the sublime nature of the natural world and dig into the essence of human beings.
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Some people may argue that technology improves our lives since it provides extreme convenience and communication. In the current age of smartphones, social media applications, and high-speed internet connectivity, it is evident that technology has completely changed how people work, communicate and navigate the world around them. The quick development of technology has made communication possible in real-time, standardized work processes, and provided universal information. In addition to this, advancements in technology in the healthcare, transportation and entertainment industries have led to a better quality of life and avenues for self-development. Nevertheless, as Richard Louv perceptively notes, “The fast-paced technological changes are blurring human-animal-machine boundaries” (Emily 259), which presents severe ethical issues regarding our dependency on technology. In addition, when artificial intelligence, virtual reality and robotics are used in ordinary life, it is hard to distinguish between what is natural and what is artificial, and this alters basic concepts of human nature. As we increasingly allow technology to mediate our experiences and our interactions, we are slowly disconnecting ourselves from the beauty and rhythms of nature. Although technology provides temporary satisfaction and convenience, it must always be compared to what nature offers in terms of fulfilment and connection. In addition, technological penetration has caused a devolution of old values and the inability to make any meaningful human relationships. In an era of digital screens and online interactions, the art of direct communication and interpersonal relationships has become extinct. Apparently, as Louv mourns, Americans of my age could enjoy a kind of free natural play that feels like the age of kid pagers, instant messaging, and video games like relics. The degradation of these real-life experiences brings to the fore the urgent need to rethink our relationship with technology and revive our natural heritage. In addition, the overuse of technology has increased social inequalities and intensified the digital gap. Although financially secure people use the latest gadgets and are connected to the internet, marginalized populations need access to basic technological infrastructure and digital literacy. With the ever-changing technology that has redefined our social, economic, and cultural spheres, it is vital to address the inequities in accessibility and opportunity to ensure that every human being takes advantage of the advantages of the digital age.
Conclusion
Summing up, the need to reestablish a connection with nature is amplified by the contemporary world of digitized human activity. Inspired by the insight of Thoreau, Louv, and Dickinson, we are once again inspired by the inherent beauty and peace. If we learn to accept and appreciate what nature has given us, we can return to being human beings, living in harmony with a created order. In our modern world, we should remember that nature and humans are closely related, and we need to follow the natural path in order to create a sustainable future for ourselves.
References
Emily, Richard, David (n.d) American Literature file:///C:/Users/USER/Downloads/pg%20258%20%20to%20259.pdf
write