The Power Of Nature In The "Fifth Walk" By Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau expresses that this world is in a constant motion; as a result, humans rarely have an opportunity to contemplate on their inner self. However; Rousseau implies that individuals should retreat to nature to avoid conforming to the rules of society. Similarly, this idea of reflecting within oneself is prominently seen in the text ‘Fifth Walk’. In addition, there seems nothing more satisfying to Rousseau than having the sun beaming down on him and smelling the sweet scent of the open air. Furthermore, Rousseau shows his absolute gratitude, appreciation, and admiration towards the spiritual and physical beauty of nature.
Also, Rousseau underlines that society usually dislikes nature or sees it as ‘boring’, and because of this they turn away from the idea of embracing nature. In brief, nature gives humans the chance to reflect on their actions and morals; which is essential in a society that seems full of delusions and distractions. Although few hours have passed during Rousseau's walk on the island Île de St Pierre, he has come to the realisation that nature grants individuals’ happiness and better health. For example, Rousseau (1782/2011) writes “I consider these two months to be the happiest time...so happy”.
To clarify, the reason Rousseau expresses his love and happiness for this land is that he tends to view himself as a person that might despise any political affairs, so when he arrives, it was like an escape from all his worries (Lane J, 2006). Furthermore, this might be another reason Rousseau (1782/2011) finds nature so compelling and breathtaking, as he explicitly demonstrates that “I found staying there so charming. I could have wished that his refuge is turned into a lifelong prison...I would be confined...for the rest of my life”.
So for Rousseau, this ‘prison’ appears as a surprise to him; this is because he had the preconceived idea that this island would result in boredom, instead he discovers that it allows him to connect to his inner self. This intensifies Rousseau's position with nature; he sees it as something so peaceful that it empowers him to think for himself and avoid being influenced by political powers. Moreover, this nature walk reminds Rousseau of his values and individuality; it is as if he taking refuge on this land saves him from conforming to the rest of society (Lane J, 2006).
Also, Rousseau’s opinion on nature presents the idea that it reinforces one’s self-identity, such as throughout an individual’s life they could easily become distracted by work or other obligations, which is why Rousseau encourages society to have a break from their busy lives and simply cherish nature. Moreover, it seems before Rousseau’s exemption from society, he felt a sense of sadness, but when he arrives on the island, his whole perspective on life seems to change; as it is refreshing for him to hear nothing but birds chirping. This is why Rousseau emphasises that one should not underestimate the power that nature may have on the soul.
Furthermore, Rousseau’s confinement from society enables his soul to be free with no limitations; he realises the importance of this and addresses that humans are looking for happiness in a world that is usually full of anxiety. For example, Rousseau (1782/2011) presents that “earthly impressions which could constantly distract us from it and upset the joy of it in this world...but most men...have only a confused idea of it” (p. 56). In other words, due to the stresses of finances, or other obligations, individuals may become miserable. Rousseau suggests that this could be because humans neglect the beautiful scenery of nature. Also, nature tends to have the ability to allow the human mind to think without any restrictions or influences from supreme powers so if society continues to ignore nature it could be harmful to their character.
Additionally, if individual’s place all of their concentration on this mundane world, they tend to lose the real value and essence of humanity, however, if one turns towards nature as a refuge, it gives an individual hope to continue in life and softens their heart. Furthermore, Rousseau suggests that nature could be a catalyst for change in one’s life, such as usually an individual is accustomed to their daily routine which tends to result in ignoring their inner self. Moreover, Rousseau's isolation from the outside world has brought about natural happiness (Lane J, 2006).
For instance, Rousseau (1782/2011) mentions “If only it could happen again!.. End my days on this beloved island... never to see again any inhabitants of the mainland... who remind me of... calamities”. Here, Rousseau uses an exclamation mark to express how much he will miss the island and that nature gives him a sense of happiness which might be forever instilled in his spirit and heart. In sum, this strengthens the notion that Rousseau represents in his text, which is that the nature exhilarates and fortifies one’s subconscious mind. Further, it is most likely that environment reconnects an individual to their soul and enables one to think deeply about their decisions in life.
Similarly, if someone observes the physical elements of wildlife, such as the changing and withering of leaves, it could remind one to have a sense of humbleness, which could also decrease arrogance that may be embedded in an individual’s heart and spirit. Also, in ‘Fifth Walk’ Rousseau focuses on the idea that nature connects humans to a deeper level of their soul. For example, Rousseau expresses that nature appears as an ecstasy for him; it gives him a feeling like no other. Also, he mentions an idea throughout the text that money could never compensate for the feeling of being surrounded by nature (Lane J, 2006).
Further, for Rousseau, nature is home; he repeatedly mentions his exclusion from worldly affairs; for instance, Rousseau (1782/2011) proclaims that “if only this moment would last forever”. It is often seen that this philosopher finds nature calming; he wishes to prolong his stay and appears to have no desire of returning to society. Similarly, Rousseau continuously expresses his dissociation from society; he tends to accentuate that society seems infatuated with this world, and questions why individuals are searching for joy in busy cities whilst there is an abundance of nature preserved for humans to contemplate and ponder over (Lane J, 2006).
Furthermore, ‘Fifth Walk’ presents a range of perspectives on nature, all of which Rousseau outlines as serenity, such as he reinforces the idea that nature is a beautiful thing, and that being within a natural scenery allows one to reflect on their inner self. Also, for Rousseau nature never seems to tire him. This shows that individuals could never be displeased with nature because it may often offer spiritual discoveries, which increases one’s emotional wellbeing. Even more, Rousseau (1782/2011) expresses “...it would have been enough for me to have lived like that for the whole of my life”.
To clarify, Rousseau’s walks of solitude and reveries are of a reward than a burden. In brief, this reinforces that every person should at least withdraw from society to save themselves from insanity or stress, which could be done through meditating in nature. Moreover, if an individual were to explore the physical features of nature, they would most likely find it as a calming activity, which could elevate one’s satisfaction and comfort. For example, Rousseau (1782/2011) conveys that “it includes fields, vineyards, wildland, orchards, and rich pastures shaded by trees and lined by shrubs of all varieties”.
Furthermore, Rousseau’s use of descriptive language presents the idea that he might be observing the natural scenery; it also shows that Rousseau acknowledges and perhaps adore the beauty of wildlife. Indeed, if an individual were to inspect the physical details of nature, it could place their mind at ease and let them seek beyond what they were taught in society, further increasing their spiritual awareness (Lane J, 2006).
Nature tends to have a special effect for Rousseau; he appears to understand himself a little clearer. Similar, Rousseau extends his spiritual discovery of nature to the rest of society. He strongly suggests for people to let go of all worldly objects and just to embrace the physical and spiritual beauty of nature. Overall, nature is clearly seen as an advantage for the human mind, as it allows one to understand their self-identity; as a result, they could have an increase of satisfaction and happiness in their lives.
Moreover, Rousseau most likely enjoyed nature because it allowed him to be free from distractions, which again emphasises the need for individuals to disengage from society. Nature tends to enable the human mind to contemplate over their soul and character; further, it allows humans to understand and realise their full potential. Also, the natural world tends to be viewed by Rousseau as a sanctuary; it could be for that reason that it would save one from self-delusion of this world. Finally, Mother Nature offers individuals the option to enhance their character and self-consciousness.
