ISHS Acta Horticulturae 642: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Horticulture, Art and Science for Life - The Colloquia Presentations
FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE |
| Author: | E.O. Wilson |
| Keywords: | human nature, biophilia, horticulture, plants and people, life quality, biodiversity, the conservation imperative |
| Abstract:
Characteristics shared across humanity, like the appreciation of a comfortable level of design complexity or the capacity to enjoy and describe colors, as well as some common phobias, are elements of what we call human nature. They are in our genes and likely reflect the geography and features of the natural environments where our species evolved. They profoundly influence where we want to live, where we go on holiday, and how we seek out or create a comfortable near environment. These elements of human nature are both addressed and served by horticulture. Trees, parks, an orchid corsage, the act of gardening itself all improve life quality and serve the deep-seated human need for plants in our environment. However, despite such biophilia, humans too often fail to appreciate the threat that exists to the worlds richly diverse flora and fauna (still largely undescribed) or understand the magnitude and potential value of the genetic information lost when species become extinct. The rate of habitat destruction and species loss is hugely alarming but humankind can still act to halt this carnage. Horticultural scientists must be among the leaders in the effort to save the integrity of this magnificent planet and the life it harbors. | |
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