Intro and Peach Blossom Spring

This first article, Introduction to Responses to the Land: Nature, Ecology, and Materialism talks about the relationship mankind has with nature. There has always been conflict between man and the wild. Now it is becoming more and more of a problem in our culture. “Historically we know that human cultures have regularly destroyed their environment, resulting in their own demise.” (page 343) Some cultures on the other hand are more in tune with their natural surroundings and have a connection with it. Our views of these types of people are also distorted. I like to watch the Chinese do Tai Chi exercises because of the appearance it gives them as one who is apart of the flow of nature. A good question to ask ourselves so that we can decide not to damage the natural things surrounding us is: What is our responsibility as “global citizens”?

The Peach Blossom Spring written by Tao Ch’ien tells a story of a fisherman who lived in Wu-ling. He rowed upstream and along the banks of the stream there were unusual flower growing. He was impressed and decided to find out were these flowers led to. He came to an open cave in the mountain. He left his boat and after entering the cave he met an ordinary people that looked care free and happy. After meeting with them and admiring the happiness of their Utopia. Upon leaving they told him to keep their place a secret, but he slips and tells the people of his own village. They at once sent a group of men to find the cave again but they were unable to find it again. To me, the people who live in the cave are very wise. The author is trying to get the message across that in our societies people need to slow down and experience their surroundings. Life simpler is a happier life. People don’t search for a balance between man and nature. I think about all of the technology we have today to make things “easier”. But is it making things easier, or more stressful? Studies show that the increase of technology increases the amount of daily choices, which in turn cause more stress. It’s also unfortunate that the men were unable to find the cave again. Why did the man want to leave in the first place? This also can become a lesson to be learned. Sometimes moments that we experience in our lives come and go. We may never experience them ever again. This could teach us to live in the moment. Appreciate having the people we love and the everyday experiences now because you may miss out on them.