UNPAR.AC.ID, Bandung – In the latest episode of the Extension Course Philosophy Podcast titled “Love as A New Basis for Human Relationship with Nature,” hosted by Theo Frids Hutabarat, M.Sn., a lecturer in Philosophy at Universitas Katolik Parahyangan (UNPAR), alongside Dr. Subelo Wiyono, an in-depth discussion about love and its relationship with nature took place at the Selasar Sunaryo Art Space on Saturday (August 24, 2024). Set against the backdrop of the exhibition “Anthropocene Bodies” by Asmudjo J. Irianto, this conversation was filled with reflection in Bale Tonggoh.
Theo began the discussion by quoting Simone Weil’s thoughts on love and beauty. “According to Weil, beauty is goodness or God itself revealing itself to us when we direct our attention to it. This attention, enchanted by beauty, gives birth to love, a love that is different from desire or Eros that wants to possess,” he explained, emphasizing that this type of love is not about domination but about maintaining distance for admiration.
R.D. Dr. S.F. Sutrisna Widjaja, affectionately known as Romo Feri, added a more spiritual perspective. He connected this discussion with the thoughts of Saint Francis of Assisi, who fell in love with all of creation.
“Francis calls all of creation as brothers and sisters. Not only humans but also animals, plants, the sun, the moon, even the wind and water,” said Romo Feri passionately. For him, love is at the core of human relationships with nature. “If we love the Divine, then we also love all of creation.”
However, the conversation did not stop at the romanticism of love for nature. Romo Feri highlighted that the shift in the human relationship with nature from pure love to capitalist exploitation is the root of many environmental problems.
“The destruction of nature is a logical consequence of the loss of that fundamental attitude of love. Humans now have the illusion that they are the center of the universe,” said Romo Feri, who is also a Philosophy lecturer at UNPAR.
In the contemporary art exhibition atmosphere that explores the relationship between humans and ecosystems, Theo also conveyed that love for nature is not a passive sentiment. He argued, “Through the attitude of loving nature, humans should realize their position in the universe and establish an ethical foundation for interacting with the world.”
Thus, love is not merely a form of affection but also a moral awareness that guides human actions toward the environment.
Interestingly, Dr. Subelo Wiyono, who also spoke, took a more optimistic approach in viewing the current state of the world. He stated that data shows signs of global environmental improvement, from decreasing carbon emissions to increasing wildlife populations in several areas.
“We need to be more optimistic. In fact, love should be optimistic. If we can’t be optimistic yet, maybe it means we don’t truly love,” he said, inviting everyone to look to the future with hope.
Nevertheless, Subelo did not dismiss the reality of the challenges faced by humanity today, especially in the context of capitalism and the environment. For him, collaboration between the economy, ecology, and social justice is a solution that needs to be fought for together. He emphasized the importance of large companies being environmentally responsible in this context, while stressing that sustainability is the key to every decision.
Romo Feri, responding to this view, also expressed that love does not mean turning a blind eye to existing problems. He said, “Love is not blind love, but a love that sees problems while also seeking solutions. I believe that with love, we can see more hope than problems.”
This discussion, which lasted about thirty minutes, not only highlighted philosophical perspectives on love and nature but also provided views that are very relevant to the current social and political conditions in Indonesia. In the midst of the increasingly intense debates about local elections and general elections, Romo Feri emphasized the importance of love as a foundation in national life.
“We are a Pancasila state, a nation that should be full of love,” he said, while noting that love for fellow humans and love for nature should be the moral foundation for every citizen.
The podcast not only concludes with philosophical reflections but also leaves its listeners with an important question posed by Romo Feri: “Do we still have love?” This question serves as a call to reflect on how humans interact with nature and each other, and how love can be the basis for every decision made.
With a flowing narrative, this podcast provides deep insights, not only from a philosophical perspective but also practical ones. From calls to appreciate the environment more to optimism about the future, this discussion offers a new perspective for listeners in understanding love as an essential element in maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.
In closing, Theo reiterated that love is not a concept far removed from human reality. “Our relationship with nature should be natural. Love is actually already there, already integrated into every creation. We just need to realize it again,” he said reflectively, inviting all those present to start from within themselves. (NAT-Humas UNPAR)
