Primitive Man's Relationship to Nature

• Published in: Bioscience Vol. 21; no. 13; pp. 721 - 723
• Main Author: Guthrie, Daniel A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Institute of Biological Sciences 01-07-1971
• Subjects: Animals; Bears; Environmental conservation; Environmental technology; Human ecology; Kinship; Native Americans; Nature; Psychological attitudes; Tribal land
• ISSN: 0006-3568; 1525-3244
• DOI: 10.2307/1295922

Primitive man, exemplified by the American Indian, was no better than modern man in his relationship to his environment. Although the religion of the Indian stressed harmony with nature, this attitude did not prevent pollution of the environment nor the acceptance of destructive technology. In fact, low population density and direct dependence upon the environment may make harmony with nature impossible. It is the urban citizen, removed from direct contact with nature, who views the natural world as a valuable resource and who is most aware of the effects of pollution. Environmental solutions are to be found not in a return to a primitive harmony with nature but in the self-interest of our urban majority in a cleaner environment and a better life.