The intimate bond: humans and dirt
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Astrophysicist Carl Sagan once said, “If you want to bake an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” He could have said the same of mud pies, though it wouldn’t have sounded as delicious. But, before apples, the universe needed to invent dirt. Without it, we would not be here.
Although dirt is one of the most crucial — and threatened — systems on our planet, it doesn’t have a reputation for excitement. Until, that is, we see our bare feet standing on dirt, and realize we are looking at different aspects of the same cosmic elements.
- Used by people who call the work: Big History, Cosmic Evolution
- Applies a deep time evolutionary perspective to: Biology and Earth Systems Science, Ecology/Sustainability, Other (Geology)
- Learning Stages: Lifelong
- Type: Website
- Keywords: dirt, evolution, earth history, geology
- Why I love this Resource: I always love contemplating the deep connections among all the elements of our universe.
- Link to Resource: Click here
- Posted By: Betsey Crawford
- Date Added: March 23, 2017
Fantastic post Betsey about the formation of dirt it’s key role in cosmic evolution, crucial for the evolution of plants and animals on land!
Thank you, Jennifer! As always, love your enthusiasm.
Brilliant telling and insights —I guess you can say you are Giving Us the Dirt on Dirt! Dirt can even nourish us in other ways: In an article in Gardening Know How, Bonnie L. Grant explained that certain microbes commonly found in soil have an ability to raise serotonin . Artificially-manufactured serotonin is the stuff that does the job in Prozac and other popular antidepressants. People who “dig in the dirt” may absorb the microbes by inhaling them in dust or through cuts or scratches in their skin – or if they accidentally swallow some in the process of planting,… Read more »
Thank you so much, Joyce. I’ve been reading about dirt’s importance in our gut, and how much we need to literally eat dirt. But the idea that we are inhaling precursors to serotonin while gardening is a new and very wonderful thought. No wonder it feels so good to play in the dirt! Love all these ideas. Loved the video on your home page. I, too, balk at mosquitos, but I come around, however mystified by earth’s need for them!