The Genesis passage “Subdue the earth” is considered the origin of the narrative about humankind as the crown of creation. Human beings are supposed to subdue nature so that it serves their needs. Ultimately, the destruction of nature, environmental pollution and climate change are the result of just this treatment of nature, which is guided by this fantasy of subjugation. Philipp Blom explored this concept of dominium terrae in his book Die “Unterwerfung – Anfang und Ende der menschlichen Herrschaft über die Natur” [“Subjugation - The Beginning and End of Human Dominion over Nature”]. Is man really in danger of perishing because of this narrative about himself? What options are there to avert the impending catastrophe? Can we reinterpret this narrative with the aim of achieving a reconciliatory relationship between nature and man?
About the person
Philipp Blom, born in Hamburg in 1970, studied philosophy, history and Jewish studies in Vienna and Oxford. He now lives as a writer and historian in Vienna and publishes regularly in European and American magazines and newspapers. His books are bestsellers and have been translated into more than 15 languages.