What is "biophilia"?
The term "biophilia" means "love of life." Notable psychoanalyst, Erich Fromm, coined the phrase, referring to the positive vibes inspired by spending time with—or even just viewing images of—natural objects and surroundings. Later popularized by Harvard biologist E. O. Wilson, the presence of biophilia suggests that the innate love humans have for their natural environment is baked into their DNA.
Since the 20th century, recognizing the interconnectedness between species and their environments has prompted a wide range of studies. From the biological sciences to the arts and humanities, research shows the benefits of spending time in nature and bringing natural elements into the built environment. In this article, we introduce the foundations of biophilia and offer suggestions for finding it in your home- away-from-home, college campus, and dorm.
The Science
Iggy Pop wasn't wrong: humans have a lust for life. The pleasant feelings you get from seeing a rainbow, smelling fresh flowers, or walking along a beach may be more important for your mental and physical health than you realize. Scientists in various fields study the origins and effects of biophilic environments on mood, cognition, and overall satisfaction with life. The results suggest a much deeper relationship to the "more-than-human world" than we may expect.
For example, environmental psychology is a branch of social science that specifically studies the relationship between human psychology and the environment. Humans did not always live in the built environment we now inhabit; instead, our survival as a species necessitated carefully observing the natural forces around us. Those forces were much larger and more robust than the impact of early humans, and by almost every perceptive measure, humans lacked the powerful senses of their animal neighbors.
However, the large and complex brains of Homo sapiens adapted to their environment in compensation. Neuroscientists now assert that the cognitive processes telling us which plants to eat or which animals are safe to approach involve more than just rational thought. Emotions, specifically positive ones, developed to aid survival. Researchers now believe that emotional responses to a salubrious and beautiful natural environment — biophilia — evolved in our brains to make us instinctively seek out environments that benefit overall health and well-being.
Of course, the inverse is also true. Biophobia — an instinctual fear of certain elements of nature — provides negative reinforcement, leading humans away from dangerous settings, animals, and plants.
Juxtaposing the two concepts helps put them in perspective. While the attraction to colorful and sweet-smelling flowers might correlate to the nutritional benefits of ripe fruit, distaste for bitter flavors likely developed to prevent accidental poisoning, as poisons are often (though not always) bitter.
The Aesthetics
- Improve mood
- Lengthen attention span
- Relieve mental strain and anxiety
- Prompt healthy physical activity
- Encourage sociability and community
For instance, one study found that simply looking at the color blue, the color of ocean water associated with calm in many cultures across the globe can increase creativity.
Understanding the origins of biophilia helps students apply it better on campus and beyond. In part two of this series, you'll learn concrete strategies and practical suggestions to help you incorporate this newfound knowledge and live your best biophilic lifestyle.
