The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age

In The Nature Principle, Richard Louv’s underlying belief is that connecting with the natural world is fundamental to human health, well-being, spirit and survival. To support this bold claim, he uncovers what is an extremely persuasive body of evidence – theoretical, anecdotal and empirical – that nature really does have a significant power to restore, heal and energize. If you weren’t already aware of the healing power of nature, you will be even after reading just the first few chapters of this book. The book is based on what Louv has defined in his earlier books as the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder – the gap between people and nature. To restore this gap requires a transformation; a reunion of humans with the rest of nature. Louv seems to be happily devoting his life to helping people identify this gap, and giving them practical ideas how to bridge it. He asks what our lives would be like if we were as fully immersed in nature as we are in technology. Not that he ever comes across as a 21st century Luddite. On the contrary, Louv is as keen to make optimal use of technological advances as anyone else. But he argues that there has to be more than technology filling our lives, even going as far as saying that “the future will belong to the nature-smart – those individuals, families, businesses and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of nature, and who balance the virtual with the real.” The Nature Principle is an extremely well-researched book. The author’s thoughts are well-arranged, and he communicates in an easy and persuasive manner. But it’s no “pie in the sky” approach. He is extremely practical about how people can connect with nature, and is particularly passionate about how nature can be introduced into school and college curricula. He would also like to see “time in nature” prescribed by doctors and psychologists, which clearly makes sense. In my own experience, I fully agree with Louv: “Nature can help us feel fully alive.” Reading this book may be your first step towards agreeing too.

What a wonderful book!!!!!!!! It taught me a lot of things about nature. Nature can really help me with my mental problems when i am playing soccer. It keeps my mind straight and also it can give me positive altitude. This book has many information about researchers study how people react towards nature or how doctors use their patients. The doctors tells their patients that go outside and enjoy. Basically thats it. It is all up to them how they will react to nature. It could help their health problems, it could fix their body by exercising. You get more benefits if you are outside than inside doors. One of the favorite quotes in this book was "If you cant think of any ideas, go outside" Please get this book. It is full of knowledge that you must learn about nature.

A book that reminds you of why you like to go outside. Good for educators, parents and well everyone I guess. Interesting medical implications for being in nature.

After reading Richard Louv's LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS, I eagerly awaited this next book. And as I read it, I found myself nodding in agreement quite often, as so much of what he has to say coincides with my own experience. I live in an older suburb, one with an extensive park system & 60-year old trees on every street; despite development, there's still a fair amount of greenspace. And I've found that walking through our local parks, especially those that aren't too manicured & still nicely ragged & rough once you get inside them, does change my attitude. The manmade world isn't so present & pressing; many of the problems associated with it dwindle & even seem ridiculous; I begin to feel a sense of kinship with other living things, a sense of all of us being in this together. It's humbling & enriching. Even in watching my own overgrown backyard, I get that feeling as I observe the animal & plant life there, often just observing for an hour or two, from insects to the occasional deer & even foxes that pass through. To say nothing of the many birds that come to our feeders! It doesn't take too long to begin recognizing individuals by their particular markings & behavior, they all have distinct personalities & traits. This also gives me a visceral feeling of oneness with them, in that the human animal isn't terribly different from any other animal. As I've said, it's humbling … but in a way that expands my awareness & sense of kinship. I'm not quite as sanguine about the author's belief that the digital world & the natural world can form a greater whole; but I'll admit that my own personal bias is making itself felt in that. But if we're to have a world of both Nature & tech, I much prefer the balance to tilt more towards Nature. But this involves a different worldview than our current one, so enmeshed in technology & its myth of perpetual progress; and that's an entirely different book! (See Theodore Roszak's THE VOICE OF THE EARTH for one.) That said, this is a fine introduction to a wealth of ideas & possibilities for a more natural world, one in which human beings have a chance of approaching sanity & wholeness regarding daily existence. It's not the last word, but the opening statement for further discussion & thought. That's desperately needed in these times -- most highly recommended!

This is an amazing book and I really suggest the read! I learned a lot, and it was pretty interesting.

I am a nature nut and found much in the book interesting. I found it mostly a compilation of all the research and programs going on that promote a more nature oriented life....All very good but was hoping for more personal stories and anecdotes ...... No regrets in reading it and hope the entire topic continues to get "playing time".....j

This book helped me remember how much I loved playing outside as a kid, and how I loved catching grasshoppers and ant lions and digging holes... just playing. I particularly liked the chapter that encourages readers to look at the nature around them, no matter where they live. Even if you live in a large city, there is wildlife around you to observe and appreciate. It's still possible to learn the names of different trees in your neighborhood, or the types of birds nesting in a parking garage, or identifying cloud formations. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves nature, for anyone who feels trapped in a big city, and for parents of young children. It's important for kids to have unstructured, imaginative play time outside, and to do this, they must get unplugged from digital devices. This book provides a long list of ways for you and your family to get involved with outdoor activities, and this list would be perfect to present to the family and have each member choose the activity they want to do to get more active outside. An inspiring book for almost anyone.

The Nature Principle is an excellent prescription for how to make our blighted world back into a garden that heals us. Louv has done his research and offers a comprehensive overview of why we need much more nature in our lives; he covers economic, mental-health, family well-being, physical health and spiritual benefits to be gained from bringing nature into our cities and suburbs, and provides practical ways to do this. He has a strong focus on getting children of all economic, social and racial stripes out into nature, and brining nature to their neighborhoods and schools. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to heal our broken planet.

Everyone needs to read this book. It is fabulous. It really makes you think about how to change your life for the better.

I found out about Richard Louv's work via my daughter, who was referencing his previous book, "Last Child in the Woods" as part of a university outdoor education assignment. I found that book fascinating and went looking for it, only to find this new book, "The Nature Principle". I'm almost finished reading it. It is a very comprehensive investigation into the the natural world, it's benefits to mankind (mostly), what we can do to derive those benefits and exemplar examples of individuals, groups and nations that are trying to bring nature into the centre of their lives.

This is a very important book that explores the disconnection from nature that we modern humans are suffering and looks at how this has happened and gives pointers to how we can reconnect, which we all urgently need to do. I'll definitely re-read Richard Louv's book again and I am now curious to also explore 'The Last Child in the Woods' which coined the phrase 'Nature Deficit Disorder.'

This book was full of practical ideas both at the individual and community/systemic level to increase our connection with nature. I found it a really enjoyable and inspiring read, first for ages that puts hope and optimism in the driver's seat.

Everyone- parent, teacher, anybody- needs to read this book and wake up.