At the very heart of philosophical reflections on the nature of man and his surrounding reality lies the idea that nature does not possess its own morality but merely reflects the inner state of man.

Humanity Reflected in Nature: A Philosophical Inquiry

At the very heart of philosophical reflections on the nature of man and his surrounding reality lies the idea that nature does not possess its own morality but merely reflects the inner state of man. If our actions are filled with selfishness or aggression, then the world around us may be perceived as indifferent or even hostile in response. This perspective emphasizes how closely intertwined a person’s emotions and actions are with the world in which they live. Man’s relationship with nature turns out to be both tragic and unique—he is not just one element of the world, but an autonomous subject containing an entire microcosm within himself. Such an understanding urges us to reflect upon our inner harmony, for the strength of spirit is capable of resisting the destructive influences of external natural forces. By showing kindness and responsibility, we can not only shift our perception of the world but also bring about positive transformations in the very fabric of reality. This inspiring message reminds us that behind every choice we make lies the possibility of effecting good on a global scale.

If man is considered the crown of creation, why then does the surrounding existence sometimes seem indifferent or even hostile toward him?

The answer to this question can be found in a series of quotes that demonstrate the ambiguous nature of the relationship between man and his environment. First, nature is described as being neutral toward humans, “aligning its character with human nature.” In other words, the behavior of nature reflects the state and qualities of the individual. As one source puts it:

“Nature is neutral to humans. In accordance with human character, it aligns its character. As long as Adam was obedient to God, and nature was obedient to Adam. When he rebelled against God, nature revolted against Adam. Just as any desire, thought, or passion affects the entire body of man, so too does his character, mood, faith, and morality impact nature. Human malice can fill nature with malice, and mercy—with mercy.” (source: link txt)

Thus, if a person exhibits selfishness, aggression, or recklessness, these qualities can “reflect” in the external world, making it appear hostile or indifferent. This is confirmed by another source, which states:

“For if every being acts hostilely toward others and pushes them aside, then others will likewise treat it with hostility, crowd it out, and it will inadvertently experience this hostile influence. Such an ordeal is suffering—the second form of worldly evil. Just as everything in nature sins against one another, so inevitably one suffers from another.” (source: link txt)

Furthermore, man’s position in nature is described as tragic because he is not merely an object in this world but a unique subject who maintains independence and integrity despite potential harm from natural forces. It is stated here:

“Therefore, man’s position in the natural world is tragic. Man is not only one of the objects of this world; above all, he is a subject, not reducible to an object. At the same time, the relationship between man and the cosmos is defined by the fact that he is a microcosm—he contains the cosmos or embodies history. Man cannot be merely a part of something; he is a whole. Through the spiritual element within himself, man is not subordinate to nature and independent of it, even though natural forces can kill him…” (source: link txt)

Thus, the surrounding existence is not deliberately directed against man. Nature does not possess moral principles—it does not “choose” whom to love or hate. Instead, it merely reflects the inner state of man, his attitudes, and actions. If a person shows arrogance, selfishness, or destructive behavior, then the world around them may be perceived as indifferent or even hostile, which is a consequence of the inherent nature of interactions in the cosmos.