Balance in nature is of the outmost importance. In situations where balance is lost, Mother Earth herself has a tendency to go back to her ‘zen state’. As both a Life and a Social scientist I definitely support this theory. In politics, when it comes to the excellence of a state, extremes just do not work in the end for both society and nature.

Ecological and social concerns like this have been problematic for the human mind since Ancient Greece. Ecology and democracy started simultaneously in Ancient Greece. Perceptions of ecological and social thinking set the basis of modern science. Nature was a ‘theater of the Gods’ and the ‘theater of reason’ at the same time.

Greek natural philosophy began by abstracting traits of gods who were seen to ‘rule’ nature and to punish humans’ bad actions with natural disasters – afterwards restoring balance.

Zeus with thunder and lightning, Poseidon with waves and tsunamis, each one of them just did not tolerate lies, hate, envy and other ‘human conditions.’

Outside mythology, several philosophers, Plato, Theophrastus, Aristotle, were the pioneers of ecological writing.

Nowadays, understanding nature’s balance, as a mirror of a society’s balance, is not as simple as it sounds. Ecology has evolved as a science and revealed a more complex network of things on this planet. The same goes for society, because of population increase and our complex lifestyle, in contrast with ancient times. But although there are other theories like Wallace’s, which reject the idea of a “nature balance” and supporting a theory of a more chaotic and dynamic natural state, the fragile aspects of nature and biodiversity will always exist and are similar to the delicate balances in society. Living in a such a complex world, society is more fragile than ever.

Thinking outside the box and seeing each member of society as an important node in a huge network should make us think “God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his/her shoes, 'cause then you really might know what it's like.” Every opinion is there for a reason. Our ‘job’ as citizens of this world is to find the sources of imbalances, in ecological and social contexts.

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira is an Agriculturist-MSc- Botany-Biology, PhD Agricultural-Environmental Education and Science Communication.