of the physical world, and also to life
in general. It ranges in scale from the subatomic to the cosmic
.
The word nature is derived from the Latin word natura, or "essential qualities, innate disposition", and in ancient times, literally meant "birth".
"Because God created the Natural – invented it out of His love and artistry – it demands our reverence." - C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), God in the Dock, 1948
"It seems clear at last that our love for the natural world — Nature — is the only means by which we can requite God's obvious love for it." - Edward Abbey (1927-1989)
"Nature is the time-vesture of God that reveals Him to the wise, and hides him from the foolish." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), The Open Secret
"Nature is a revelation of God; Art a revelation of mankind." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)