Nature - Chapter II. Nature - Chapter II. CommodityCommodity

Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson

Man’s use of nature Man’s use of nature "Nature is not only the material, but is also the process and the result” (Page 489)

“Thus the endless circulation of the divine charity nourish man." (Page 489)

Nature provides materials that humans can work with.

Nature gives sense of identity to people because to do something requires resources provided by nature and what they do defines who they are.

InterpretationInterpretation

Nature gives sense of dutyNature gives sense of duty"A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work." (Page 489)

According to the quote, humans have to work and make use of nature's resources for sustainability and survival. From this, people gain sense of duty, responsibilities and maintenance of their own life.

Unrecognized complexity ofUnrecognized complexity ofour surroundingour surrounding

"More servants wait on man than he'll take notice of." (Page 489)

Nature provides so much resources that people do not even know how much they could possibly take out of it. Our environment is far more complex than we ever realize. Providing resources, process and products to humans, Nature gives more meaning to our world.

Possibility and transformationPossibility and transformation

“The useful arts are but reproductions or new combinations by the wit of man, of the same natural benefactors.” (Page 489)

Rightfully using their creativity, people can make almost infinite possibilities and discoveries. Even if they are given with same raw materials, they are able to turn the into new things because everyday, nature inspire people differently and different environment cause different ideas to emerge in people.