On the Importance of Gratitude for Humanistic Education in Times of Ecological Crises

What is it about?

In this chapter, we suggest that (existential) gratitude is worth fostering to realize the aims of humanistic education, particularly in relation to the challenges of current ecological crises. Gratitude can sensitize us to our vulnerability as an animal species dependent on the maintenance of certain life conditions on planet Earth, deepen and enrich our relationships with the natural world, and support a sense of moral responsibility to care for the natural world.

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Photo by John Reed on Unsplash

Photo by John Reed on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Contemporary ecological crises reveal how Western societies’ exploitative view of nature undermines environmental and human flourishing. Lasting sustainability needs not only political and technological solutions but also deeper shifts in how people perceive and relate to the natural world —and therefore corresponding changes in education. Viewing nature as mere resource leads to environmental harm, weakens moral regard for other beings, and impoverishes our relationships by replacing meaningful connections with instrumental thinking. These issues pose corresponding educational challenges: fostering sustainable living, cultivating responsible moral relationships, and nurturing richer, more caring ways of relating to nature. We must care about the natural world before we can truly care for it.