Kinship to Mastery : Biophilia in Human Evolution and Development

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Despite its clinical-sounding title, this is no arcane treatise but an accessible and eloquent introduction to the concept of biophilia, the "inherent human affinity for life and lifelike process." Kellert (The Value of Life), a professor at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, relies heavily on the work of Edward O. Wilson (who introduced the concept in 1984) and on the writings of scientists, environmentalists and poets to highlight the physical, emotional and intellectual benefits we human beings derive from our connection to the natural world. Not just food and clothing, but symbolic thinking, an "ethic of reverence" and even the metaphors that ground our language ("a wolf intimates seduction, a fox slyness, a snake treachery") are shown to derive from our engagement with the wild. Kellert passionately and convincingly argues that a future of increased pollution and diminished biological diversity would compromise much that now enhances our humanity. He contends that this future remains a grave possibility, however, because our affinity for nature, though inborn, is a "weak tendency," depending upon education and social support to develop and thrive. Kellert suggests some broad guidelines to slow down, or even reverse, the damage already done to the natural world. These include a respect for wildlife that acknowledges different cultural attitudes; preservation of habitats; an emphasis on living spaces that provide us with ample opportunities to integrate nature into our daily livesultimately fostering, as he puts it, "spiritual solace, comfort, and salvation." Library of Science selection. (June)

Library Journal

This latest book by Kellert (Yale Sch. of Forestry and Environmental Studies) builds on the research and ideas he elucidated for scholars in his recent The Value of Life (Island, 1996) and in his earlier collection, The Biophilia Hypothesis (LJ 11/1/93), to produce a much-needed introduction for the general reader to the concept of biophilia and its role in human development. He presents the empirical evidence in a straightforward manner while using narrative vignettes to illustrate the various ways biophilia is expressed in individual lives. His definition of biophilia makes clear that, although this human tendency to affiliate with living nature is encoded in our genes, it is highly dependent on culture for its strength and direction. Expressions of biophiliafor example, emotional bonding with companion animalshave been shaped by evolutionary advantage yet wither when society provides few opportunities to connect with natural diversity. Not all of Kellert's arguments are equally cogent, and some are speculative; nevertheless, he marshals a compelling case that a healthy, diverse natural environment is an "essential condition for human lives of satisfaction and fulfillment." Highly recommended for academic libraries and for public libraries interested in environmental issues.Joan S. Elbers, Port Charlotte, Fla.