Recognizing the inherent worth of all living beings. Viewing the world in a holistic way. Understanding that humankind is neither separate or superior to nature.

This is what deep ecology promotes, an environmental philosophy that invites a reckoning with our place in the web of life. It asks not just how to reduce harm, but how to reimagine our relationships with each other, the Earth, and the self.

Founded by Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss, deep ecology challenges the deep assumptions of modern life. It argues that all living beings possess inherent worth, independent of their usefulness to humans. From microbes to mountains, every being has a right to flourish. The demands of deep ecology go beyond replacing the paradigms of capitalism, exponential growth and progress. We need to reimagine what progress means, what economy is for, what it means to live well.

We need changes in society such that reason and emotion support each other … not only a change in a technological and economic system, but a change that touches all the fundamental aspects of industrial societies. This is what I mean by a change of ‘system’

This includes a push toward local autonomy, decentralized decision-making, and a recognition of complexity over linear control. Cities, contrary to popular belief, are not disqualified from deep ecological thinking. Næss reminds us that “you can do it along railways, highways. Everywhere there is something that is essentially nature.” Even in urban noise, nature speaks.

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While I am deeply interested in the idea behind deep ecology (pun intended), I would still like to criticize its borrowing of ideas from non-Western spiritualities. Only after learning more about Indigenous knowledge systems did I realize how much of it included in deep ecology. This runs the risk of flattening rich and plural traditions into a single monolithic idea, and therefore repeating cycles seen since the colonial times

Still, I recognize that this philosophy can help translate these ideas of interconnectedness to a broader Western audience, and that is why I decided to include it in this blog. We don’t have to agree with it in order to recognize its possible value, and I have to admit learning about deep ecology led me to my current interests.