Learning from Masanobu Fukuoka’s philosophy

Masanobu Fukuoka (1913–2008) pioneered natural farming. I think we have much to learn from Masanobu Fukuoka’s philosophy.

Masanobu Fukuoka’s approach to natural farming entailed minimal human interference with nature. He saw nature as interconnected and resisted the urge to impose structure. Instead of action, he experimented with inaction. Instead of adding work, he attempted to do less. He insisted, for example, that ploughing is unnecessary. What is important is to ensure the health of the soil.

Masanobu Fukuoka claimed that human knowledge is limited. He thought that the infinitely complex web of interactions in nature is beyond what the human intellect can grasp. What the intellect knows and can deal with is only a simplified representation of reality. One might say that rather than knowing, natural farming is about being within nature.

Masanobu Fukuoka argued that science is incapable of understanding nature. He said that science is useful for taking nature apart and looking at its parts, but it is of no use for graping the reality of pure nature. He distinguished discriminating knowledge from non-discriminating knowledge. The former is derived from the intellect in an attempt to organize experience into a logical framework. The latter arises without conscious effort, without interpretation of the intellect. It’s only the latter which truly can appreciate and value nature.

Masanobu Fukuoka reminds us that our response to the destruction and exploitation of the past can be informed by a deeper understanding—not to manage and control—but to be within. He understood already in the 1930s that control of complex living systems is an illusion. Nature is not over there, we are of and in nature. Perception from within is different from managing from outside. Feel. Sense. Approach with awe.

Related post:
Masanobu Fukuoka in his own words