biophilia
noun
bio·phil·ia
ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lē-ə
-ˈfēl-yə
: a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature : a desire or tendency to commune with nature
Biophilia is the term coined by the Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson to describe what he saw as humanity's "innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes," and to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it, a love, a craving.—
Natalie Angier
Do human beings have within them an innate sense of connection to other forms of life? If so, can this natural feeling, this "biophilia," both enhance our respect for ourselves as human and reinforce our sense of obligation to treat other forms of life with loving care?—
T. H. Watkins
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Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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