The Ecological Citizen: Confronting human supremacy

What is natural history? (A definition)

The conservation biologist Thomas Fleischner has defined natural history in two distinct ways. The first description is the "practice of intentional focused attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world, guided by honesty and accuracy." Humans have engaged in such a practice since the birth of our species, in order to better understand the intricacies of life around us. While our daily routines are becoming increasingly cut off from our natural heritage, the discipline remains hugely important for humanity. It continually reminds us that we belong to nature (and not vice versa). It fosters empathy and respectful relationships with the other-than-human. And it opens us up to reverence for the extraordinary family of Earth-born actors with whom we share a home of almost impossible beauty. This last point anticipates Fleischner's second definition for natural history: "the practice of falling in love with the world."

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For further reading, see: Fleischner TL (2025) The enduring and elemental importance of natural history. The Ecological Citizen 8(1): epub-115.

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The Ecological Citizen: Confronting human supremacy

What is natural history? (A definition)

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