WELCOME TO ECO-PHILOSOPHY

Eco-Philosophy was conceived by Henryk Skolimowski in a speech he gave in 1974 at the London School of Architecture (the text was published in "AA Notes," June-July 1974). This short talk included all the major components of what he called at the time "ecological humanism"; later in 1978, this would be renamed as "eco-philosophy."  It included the ideas that philosophy is a set of "tactics for living"; of situating humanity firmly within nature rather than seeing nature as a resource for us; of new values like frugality and reverence for nature; and most importantly, of seeing the world not as a machine but as a sanctuary.  In eco-philosophy, nature, an integrated cosmos, and a universal evolution all point to a new conception of mankind and the world in which we live.  

 

DEDICATION:

 

This site is dedicated to the life and work of Dr. Henryk Skolimowski (1930-2018).

In his 88 years on this Earth, Henryk Skolimowski attained that rarest of states: the Himalayas of the Mind. From his ethereal perspective, he achieved the status of the genuine philosopher—one who, in Nietzsche's words, is able to see "from a height and into every distance, from the depths into every height, from a nook into every expanse."  Henryk accepted wholeheartedly the primary task bestowed upon the true philosopher, namely that he undertake the creation of new values—values that are appropriate for our time.  Such a man has the spiritual power to shake whole worlds; he has "a dynamite of the spirit," an explosively creative psychic energy.  All those who were fortunate enough to be in Henryk's presence have felt that energy.

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The greatest philosophers live for their times, and beyond their times. They live for posterity, for eternity.  It is these rare individuals whose work only grows in importance with time—in notable contrast to the writings of the conventional and the popular, which so often fade to dust.  It is inevitable that Henryk's ideas will become more precious as time goes by, if only because any world that does not value them will not long survive. Heaven knows, the world needs him more now than ever.

 

CORE PRINCIPLES:

 

1)  The world is a sanctuary.

2)  Reverence for life is our guiding value.

3)  Frugality is a precondition for inner happiness.

4)  Spirituality and rationality complement each other.

5)  A healthy planet requires healthy spirit and healthy civilization.