People and Place-Nayra Guevara

In Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane analyzes various theories regarding the relationship between humans and nature. He mentions Marcel’s theory that “an individual is not distinct from his place; he is that place.” Marcel is suggesting that people and nature work as one unit. According to this theory, there is no need for separation between the two. Tuan’s theory is also mentioned. He proposes the term topophilia to refer to the connection humans have towards a place. These fervent attachments are a result of someone’s experience within that place. Although travelers must go back to reality after a spiritual experience, the place stays with them because of the impact it had on their lives. John K. Wright’s concept of geopiety is also discussed by Lane. Similar to topophilia, it refers to the emotional ties of humans to landscape. Lane incorporates several of these theories to prove the point that place and people have a historic and meaningful correlation.