What is natural history, and why does it matter?

Background/Question/Methods   Natural history—“a practice of intentional, focused attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world”—is one of the oldest continuous human traditions, until very recently a matter of survival for all people.  Simply put, there have never been people without natural history.  But contemporary culture largely ignores this practice of attentiveness to Otherness. Indeed, there has never been a moment in the history of Homo sapiens when natural history was practiced so little.  Results/Conclusions The disciplined, outward focus of natural history represents a crucial step toward an authentic understanding of ecological relationships, and an expanded sense of humanity and humility.  Additionally, it serves as an essential foundation for ecological theory and conservation action.  Thus, the marginalization of natural history by academic ecologists is cause for great alarm.