Mallorca y la naturaleza (I)

Biel Moll, Mallorca

May 2, 2022

I like to present Mallorca as if the diversity of scenic landscapes, the mild temperatures and the sea were all opportunities to discover, remember, discern,  refine and secure the ties between human beings and nature. My aim is to contribute to the erosion of the mentalities and practices of our civilisation that envision nature as an external reality whose basic function is to be dominated for our benefit without any further consideration.

I consider myself as one of those who see human beings as forming part of nature. I’m tempted by the idea according to which human beings have rebuilt the outer world in the interior of their being. There are many questions concerning the origin of the universe and life. However, if we follow the sequence that began with the universe and continued with the appearance of Planet Earth, life, vertebrates, reptiles, mammals, anthropoids, hominids, sapiens … it is not going too far to venture that human beings have incorporated elements, materials and organisational principles that form an inherent  part of their physical, biological and cosmic environment.    

Hypotheses and data from astrophysics, chemistry, biology and other disciplines indicate the continuation of nature in human beings. We are built from materials originating in nature. We know that carbon atoms proceeding from a sun far older than ours together with amino acids originating in meteorites can be found in human beings. We also know that our cells are formed by bacteria and molecules present in the environment. Water and the primeval chemical soup are present in all forms of earthly life.

Our physiological rhythms have incorporated the “external” alternation of day and night.  The influence of electromagnetic fields and gravity are not alien to us. We share capacities with all vertebrates, part of our brain is reptilian; the basis for affection, love, memory and learning is mammal…

Nature-based tourism in Mallorca is an opportunity to develop our connectedness with nature.