MARTIN Heidegger (1889-1976) believed that the destructive origins of modern technology can be found in the way that we view nature. In other words, whether we allow nature to reveal itself to us on its own terms, or simply mount a direct assault upon nature itself. Heidegger elaborated upon this matter by reviving the Ancient Greek term, aletheia (ἀλήθεια), which denotes a form of ‘unconcealment’ that is subsequently disclosed by way of philosophical enquiry.

Heidegger believed that a tree, for example, perhaps threatened by a solitary woodcutter or the collective might of the logging industry, should be permitted to ‘bloom.’ In his impressive 1952 essay, Was heisst Denken? (What is Called Thinking?), the German explained that “for once we must let it stand where it stands” because “to this day thought has never let it stand where it stands”. Rather than preserving the tree, we invariably deal with it in a way that makes it appear “in some quantifiable manner, remaining determinable as a system of information.” This, of course, is a reflection of the modern mindset and its tendency to assess objects in relation to their financial worth. Quantity before quality.

I was reminded of this Heideggerian anecdote earlier this afternoon, after noticing that the line of plum trees outside our window, which have only just exploded into magnificent swathes of pink and white blossom, were in the process of being cruelly battered by an unforgiving Atlantic wind. The trees I see every day are not being threatened with total destruction, as those in the Amazon are being felled for profit at this very moment, but the fact that their beautiful flowerets are under direct attack as a result of nature being at war with itself – that is, without any form of human intervention – is nonetheless part of that great Heideggerian formulation which he referred to as ‘letting-be’ (Gelassenheit).

With similarities to Taoism and Zen Buddhism, this philosophical approach epitomises the wonderful ‘unconcealment’ of that eternal aletheia which has the ability to disclose that which is Truth. All we need to do is think.