Deep Thinking in Challenging Times: Naess, Sustainability and a Deep Green Future

Deep ecology grew out of the deep thinking of its founder, the 'swashbuckling‘ Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess (27 January 1912 – 12 January 2009) (Whitaker 2006: 113). Naess‘s refusal to follow a singular path of... [ view full abstract ]

Deep ecology grew out of the deep thinking of its founder, the
'swashbuckling‘ Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess (27 January 1912 – 12
January 2009) (Whitaker 2006: 113). Naess‘s refusal to follow a singular
path of inquiry was shaped by his life‘s mission to '... see how bad things are
and still be able to smile at them … [as] the most solid kind of joy‘
(Rothenberg 1993: 84). Naessean deep ecology was characteristically
philosophical, profoundly contemplative and unavoidably tactile, all at once.

This paper argues that if we are to achieve lasting sustainability, we must give currency to the insights of a Naessean deep ecology. Beginning with an exposé of Naess the man, the paper proceeds to shed light on Deep Ecologically inspired approaches to sustainability policy and practices, suggesting that infrastructural, technological and pragmatic responses to contemporary development must have at their foundation ethical values that reflect an authentic depth of self in connection with others. It is noted that deep ecology is particularly effective at both formulating and implementing this sentiment.

Consequently, the notion of 'embracing' rather than 'conquering' is posited as central currency to such an approach. In the paper, embracing is unpacked as loving, compassionate and interpenetrating - concepts that will be discussed at some length in the context of sustainability praxes. The author suggests that these more esoteric and valuative ethics are essential to a sustainable future for modern Western civilisations. It is argued that the absence of such values restrict us to a shallow ecology, which may at-best offer reform where revolution is needed in these times of great ecological upheaval.

Through Ecosophy-T, inner-outer unions of the Self with others is brought to light. The paper takes this core tenet of a Naessean Deep Ecology and applies it to the sustainability discourse in support of a Deep Green Future for all of life on Earth.