How Nature Boosts Empathy and Supports Positive Humanism
July 13, 2025Categories: Humanism and Psychology, Podcast Episode
Positive Humanism: Thriving Without Superstition with Owen Hawthorne
Discover the power of positive psychology through a secular lens in our podcast, where we explore how an applied humanistic philosophy can enhance your personal and professional life. We delve into scientific findings that support personal flourishing, eschewing supernatural claims in favor of reason and critical thinking. Join us for insightful strategies that promote well-being and prosocial acts, all grounded in the principles of positive humanism and a secular worldview. Elevate your understanding of humanistic values and their impact on mental health and happiness.
How Nature Shapes Our Empathy and Why It Matters
You know, it’s fascinating how being in nature can just soften us up, make us more open and connected—not just to the environment, but to each other. I was thinking the other day about how nature plays this quiet but powerful role in developing human empathy. It’s almost like our natural surroundings teach us how to relate, care, and respond compassionately to others, and that’s something that really ties into broader concepts like humanistic values and personal flourishing.
Imagine walking through a forest, hearing birds chirping, watching how squirrels interact or how the seasons change a landscape. That openness and sensitivity to the world around us aren’t just about appreciating beauty. Scientists in positive psychology have found that spending time in nature promotes emotional regulation, reduces stress, and makes us more empathetic. When our senses are engaged in a natural setting, we become more attuned not only to the environment but also to the feelings and needs of other people. It’s like nature resets this emotional dial inside us.
There’s also an evolutionary angle here that’s really interesting. Our ancestors who lived closely with nature had to cooperate and empathize to survive—whether that meant sharing food, warning of dangers, or raising children within a community. This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s backed by research pointing to empathy as a trait selected for because it strengthened social bonds and collective survival. It ties beautifully with a secular worldview that finds meaning in our shared human experience, rooted in the tangible and the observable rather than the supernatural.
One of the things I find most compelling is how this relationship between nature and empathy supports applied humanistic philosophy. It offers practical ways to live better together, grounded in understanding and mutual care. When we develop empathy through our connection with nature, we’re not just being “nice.” We’re enhancing our ability to respond to others’ needs, which is essential for thriving as a community and as individuals pursuing positive humanism.
That’s why the idea of nurturing empathy through nature isn’t just some fluffy feel-good thought. It’s aligned with the principles in the book, Positive Humanism: A Primer, by Bo Bennett, PhD. The book dives into how humanistic values can shape a more compassionate and flourishing society. It shows how by understanding empathy as something deeply connected to our natural environment and secular perspective, we build a foundation for lasting personal and communal wellbeing.
So if you ever feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, spending time in nature can be a powerful remedy. It's not just about relaxation—it’s a way to reconnect with the core of what makes us human, especially our ability to empathize and care. And when we tap into those feelings, we open doors to better relationships, stronger communities, and a richer personal life.
It’s pretty empowering to realize that something as accessible as nature can help sculpt our emotional world and reinforce a secular, human-centered approach to life. For anyone interested in exploring these ideas more and starting their own journey toward personal flourishing, learning about Positive Humanism: A Primer could be a perfect next step. It lays out concepts clearly and offers inspiring insights into how embracing humanistic values can transform our lives and society.
Learn more about the book and start your journey to flourishing today! Whether you're curious about positive psychology, want to enrich your empathy, or simply seek a meaningful secular worldview, this resource offers something valuable for everyone.
