That evolution had just spun a little differently pigs or dolphins might be in charge of the world and they wouldn't feel the need to destroy

The art of non-verbal communication. Animals seem to be more intelligent than a lot of humans I know.

I have learned that we are an integral part of the web of life on this planet though we try to pretend we are above and separate from the rest. I think there should be Constitutional provisions made for the well-being of domesticated animals and consideration made for the impact on our environment of every action taken by government and corporations.

friend, always amazing me and putting me in a calm state

My back yard was about 100 acres of woods. Broken up by a house here and there. My brother and I would play outdoors sunup until sundown. We had a black lab that would follow us everywhere. He was an awesome companion.

I grew up in the woods..I never was in the house as a child..well rarely...I was looking for snakes and frogs..watching deer...and birds...hours and hours spent in the woods...sadly my woods were torn down for a fucking development..houses no one wanted here..houses built on a lie..for corruption...the woods and land was considered wetlands..and were never to built on ...years later someone fleeced enough pockets and trucked in tons of dirt to raise the land..filled in the pond..like it was never there...all the wildlife was devastated..with no place to go...it's disgusting really...makes me sick thinking about it...

I've learned more from nature by far than anything else. nature is indifferent to me as it is anything.

The Tao of Pooh is great.

I'd lean more toward teacher than friend, though perhaps companion would be a good label. It seems that friends want what's in our best interest, and nature has no such compulsion. In fact, I'd say that's one of its lessons: the universe doesn't care about you (so learn to take care of yourself).

Nature can be a teacher, but it is harsh, it expects you to survive everything it throws at you and then some.

Loved The Tao of Pooh! Yes. Since we have so much in common with the other animals, and our environment, a deep study of them helps us understand our own nature, which we desperately need.

I grew up with a river across the street from our house, there was a whole lot of wildlife there from fish to birds.
I think nature was more of a teacher by showing me how animals and plants work, but also a friend because I can go back there anytime and feel comfortable

Teacher... flying south for the winter makes a lot of sense to me.
Friend....... I love my wife's dogs. They're always glad to see me.
Learned from nature.... I'm truely grateful that i live in this time of life. Nature is hard to live in if you don't have all the gifts of science.
Learned from animals... domestic animals are kind and loving and forgiving. I don't care for dogs that will change thier mind and attack you.

Myself and Nature are one and the same thing. I am in Nature and Nature is in me. I am one with Nature.

Nature digests my food and beats my heart. Ultimately Nature is my only friend and my only teacher.

I've observed they both are dependent upon humans NOT disturbing their environments.