The Natural Contract

Michel Serres' The Natural Contract advocates for a new relationship between humanity and the Earth, proposing a 'natural contract' for survival and balance.

In The Natural Contract, Michel Serres presents a profound examination of our relationship with the Earth amidst the realities of global environmental change. He argues that the historical narrative of humanity, often centered around conflict, must now expand to include the destructive impact humans have on the planet and the subsequent reactions from nature itself. This calls for a reevaluation of our existence and a new understanding of our responsibilities toward the environment.

Serres proposes the idea of a 'natural contract' that parallels the social contracts of human societies. Just as social contracts have historically aimed to create order among people, this new pact seeks to establish a balance and reciprocity between humanity and the Earth. The survival of our species hinges on our collective ability to recognize the Earth as a living entity and to act in harmony with it, rather than as conquerors. He emphasizes the necessity for global cooperation to address the pressing challenges we face.

Through a blend of philosophical inquiry and poetic reflection, The Natural Contract explores the origins of this concept, connecting it to the foundations of law and science. Serres illustrates how science can liberate us from a purely social existence but warns against its potential to dominate. He concludes with a series of parables that depict humanity's journey aboard a metaphorical spacecraft, urging us to embrace the complex web of relationships that bind us to each other and to our planet, ultimately framing our existence as a delicate balance of love and violence.