Naturalistic Paganism

“…Nature is so uncomfortable. Grass is hard and dumpy and damp, and full of dreadful black insects. Why, even Morris’ poorest workman could make you a more comfortable seat than the whole of Nature can …

I don’t complain. If Nature had been comfortable, mankind would never have invented architecture, and I prefer houses to the open air. In a house we all feel of the proper proportions. Everything is subordinated to us, fashioned for our use and our pleasure. Egotism itself, which is so necessary to a proper sense of human dignity’ is entirely the result of indoor life. Out of doors one becomes abstract and impersonal. One’s individuality absolutely leaves one.

… Nature is so indifferent, so unappreciative. Whenever I am walking in the park here, I always feel that I am no more to her than the cattle that browse on the slope, or the burdock that blooms in the ditch.”

— Oscar Wilde, “The Decay of Lying”

“…Nature, red in tooth and claw,” wrote Tennyson.  “Imagine to yourselves a being like Nature, boundlessly extravagant, boundlessly indifferent, without purpose or consideration, without pity or justice, at once fruitful and barren and uncertain …” raged Nietzsche.  Nature is a harsh mistress, tis said … or that she is cruel, that that she’s just a b****.  Either way, Nature does not care about you.  She is indifferent, and indifference does not care if you are warm in the winter, dry at night, or fed amidst a famine. Read More