Nature is one of those words we often take for granted. It’s ironic that even National Geographic defines nature as anything but human, highlighting how deeply this "untouched nature" concept is embedded in our collective consciousness. Throughout history, our language, schools, politicians, movies, and books have perpetuated this idea. Until recently, few questioned it. This concept has inspired beautiful books, myths, movies, and music, but it has also created modern problems due to the duality we've constructed.

Let's take a more critical look. Environmental historian William Cronon has spent much of his intellectual career examining this subject, particularly the notion of ‘how to get back to nature.’ His controversial essay, “The Trouble with Wilderness, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature,” challenges conventional views. He argues that nature, as an ideology from supremacy countries, positions humans and nature as opposites. “The myth of nature,” he writes, “gave Western people a reason to judge places, things, and people in terms of their worthiness.” This ideology often renders less sublime and mundane pieces of land unworthy. A prime example of this is our relationship with ‘nature’ and its impact on the geographical shape of our planet. Where do we go for that pristine experience of nature? We head to places like national parks. In the Netherlands alone, we have twenty-two national parks, and there are many more worldwide. These areas are preserved by humans, ensuring no one builds houses or roads there. No human interference is allowed, even though people have lived there for centuries—if not millennia.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall a family trip to the jungles of Suriname. Accompanied by a local guide, we ventured deep into the jungle, feeling as if we were in a National Geographic documentary. It was a true adventure, making me realize that ‘nature’ is far bigger than anything I had known. This aligns with how Romantic writers described nature over two hundred years ago—a sublime experience far removed from everyday life.

But what if we disrupted that romantic idea of nature? As Cronon suggests, the concept of nature as separate from humans is flawed. Historian Dorceta Taylor points out that the creation of natural areas marked the beginning of “green colonialism,” where the glorification of wilderness by richer countries came at the expense of local communities. The places we call national parks today were once the homelands of various cultures. The more we learn about the historical reality of these lands, the clearer it becomes that returning to a primitive state is neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, we need a new perspective on nature.

Rishi, an urban farmer in Los Angeles, offers a refreshing view: he calls it earth. He argues that we are earth in human form, interconnected with the world around us. This perspective acknowledges our role in nature and our impact on it. Accepting our nature—our tendency to cultivate, create, and build—means embracing our contributions to the environment. Our cities, homes, and infrastructure are as much a part of nature as forests and rivers. This inclusive view eliminates the romanticized notion of a pristine, untouched wilderness and recognizes our interconnectedness.

It is important to put things in perspective. We cannot return to a mythical past where humanity was one with nature. Instead, we must embrace our role in shaping the world. Recognizing that we are part of nature means understanding that our needs align with the earth's needs. Taking care of ourselves is taking care of the earth. Reframing our concept of nature without judgment allows us to appreciate our surroundings differently. We should not mistake your simple human desire to change sceneries for the wanting of a life changing experience in a place that is wild, deserted and untouched. The desire to escape to a wild, untouched place is natural, but it’s crucial to realize we are never disconnected. Our narrow idea on nature blinds us. Adopting a more inclusive view of nature fosters a deeper connection with our environment. Our imagination, which conjures visions of nature, is a powerful tool that reflects our intrinsic connection to the earth. By recognizing our “earthiness,” we can see that nature is not a distant concept but an integral part of who we are. Enjoying nature, in any form, is about appreciating our place within it. You can connect with that image anytime, anywhere.