Biophilia Paradox

The Biophilia Hypothesis says, in essence, that because humans evolved alongside other living things—plants and animals—we tend to feel more comfortable, more mentally clear and relaxed, more generally well (both psychologically and physically) when in nature, or in an environment that has some of the trappings of a natural space.

So when we walk through a park, through the woods, along a beach—anyplace with plants and animals scattered about (as opposed to developed, human spaces with mostly concrete, buildings, and machines)—we tend to respond to that environment differently: our valence trends upward, our wounds heal faster, our anecdotal experience of life seems better, less muddled, more connected and generally happy.

This is the average experience, at least, based on decades of research. And this research has led to changes to how we plan our urban environments, how we build hospitals and other spaces, and how we think about things like depression and creativity.