Braiding Sweetgrass: A book response
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a beautifully written book which masterfully weaves together Indigenous wisdom and Western scientific knowledge, breathing life into a new harmonious way of living together with the Earth. Throughout this text Dr. Kimmerer uses the story of sweetgrass, a sacred plant in many indigenous cultures, to help us see ways in which we can learn from the environment and calls our attention to our own personal relationship with the land. With her poetic and captivating writing, Dr. Kimmerer utilizes several ideological frameworks to emphasize her position, including ecocriticism, systems ecology, environmental ethics and deep ecology.
Anyone who reads this book will undoubtedly pause to reflect on their own personal relationship with the land and how it has been shaped. Dr. Kimmerer weaves together her personal journey into the Western field of environmental science with the ancestral stories and cultural wisdom of her people, offering a vision of hope for future generations. This work is not only grounded in scientific knowledge but also infused with a deep emotional and spiritual connection to the Earth that resonates on every page. Her eloquent writing serves as a powerful example of how ecocriticism-the study of how literature portrays the environment- can profoundly shape one’s beliefs about the world.
Expanding on this topic, one of the key points Dr. Kimmerer emphasizes is the vital role of language in shaping our experience of the world and subsequently our relationship with the environment. She explains that learning her native Potawatomi language revealed a stark contrast with English: while English is largely noun-based, Potawatomi relies on verbs to describe the world. For instance, instead of referring to “a bay” as a static noun, Potawatomi uses the verb “to be a bay,” emphasizing the living, dynamic essence of that place. This linguistic difference reflects a deeper worldview-one that sees the natural world as alive, active, and interconnected. As Kimmerer writes, “so it is that in Potawatomi and most other Indigenous languages, we use the same words to address the living world as we use to address our family-because they are our family.”
In contrast, Kimmerer points out that in English, “by making everything an ‘it,’ we remove its personhood and innate value, opening the door to exploitation.” I found this to be a deeply profound idea, one that helped me better understand the root of the disconnect many Western cultures have with the natural world. This tendency in English to objectify nature may contribute to the widespread disregard for the environment in
Western societies. This powerful insight is a brilliant example of ecocriticism and illustrates how language not only reflects our values but actively shapes our relationships with the world around us.
Throughout this text it is clear to see that Dr. Kimmerer has a deep
understanding of the interconnectedness of life. She highlights systems ecology through vividly describing the relationships and interdependencies that sustain the natural world. She encapsulates this when she says, “My natural inclination was to see relationships, to seek the threads that connect the world, to join instead of divide. But science is rigorous in separating the observer from the observed, and the observed from the observer.” This quote underscores a central tension between Indigenous ways of knowing—that emphasizes connection, reciprocity, and holistic understanding—and Western scientific methods, which often prioritize separation in search of profits.
We are currently witnessing the devastating consequences of Western ways of thinking that have come to dominate our society in the pursuit of economic gain. At a time when radical change is urgently needed to preserve the beauty, diversity, and magic of our planet, I believe the path forward lies in recognizing and honoring the intricate relationships that sustain life. Even if we do not fully understand them, simply
acknowledging the complexity of nature can awaken a sense of awe, curiosity, and childlike wonder. All of which are traits I believe to be vital in basing one’s personal outlook on respect and gratitude for the earth. By listening to the wisdom of Dr. Kimmerer and many others, by turning to the plants, the trees, and the living world to guide us, we can begin to return to a way of living that is rooted in harmony and connection.
For meaningful change to take place, we must all embrace a strong set of
environmental ethics—ones that prioritize sustainability, longevity, and a deep sense of interconnectedness. As I’ve already described, Braiding Sweetgrass is filled with powerful insights and practical guidance for living in greater harmony with the Earth. It offers not only a critique of our current systems but also a hopeful and inspiring vision of
how we might live differently, with greater care and intention.
More specifically, this book is a powerful embodiment of deep ecology, a
philosophy that calls for a fundamental shift in our worldview, one that recognizes the intrinsic value of all living beings. Dr. Kimmerer urges us to become deeply aware of the many lives that sustain our own. By recognizing the living origins of the things we use—whether it’s the tree that became a tissue or the animal that became a meal—we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and reverence for the Earth’s gifts. This profound moral awareness is captured in her words: “killing a who demands something different than killing an it.” In this simple yet powerful statement, she reminds us that honoring life begins with how we perceive it. If we are able to shift our perception to understand the
sacredness that is within every life, I believe our cultures obsession with consumption and excessive exploitation would drastically decrease.
Another essential shift that accompanies recognizing the sacredness of life is cultivating deep gratitude for everything around us. Dr. Kimmerer emphasizes this through her explanation of the Thanksgiving Address, a practice which gives thanks for life and the world around us. This ritual serves to reorient the mind toward appreciation and humility. Personally, I have experienced the power of gratitude through keeping a nightly gratitude journal. As I focus my thoughts on all the positive aspects of my life, I notice a transformative effect on my overall happiness and wellbeing—I become more present, joyful and more connected to the world around me. I see that blessings are everywhere, we just have to choose to notice them. If the practice of daily gratitude – taking time to appreciate what we already have – were taught to children and integrated
into the fabric of our society, we might begin to foster a true sense of abundance. This shift could help us move away from the constant need to fill emotional and spiritual voids with consumer goods, which so often lead to environmental destruction.
The Honorable Harvest is another powerful practice shared by Dr. Kimmerer, which teaches that we must “take only what you need and use everything you take.” This principle offers a meaningful response to modern issues such as excessive food waste, reliance on single-use products, and overconsumption. If we were to imagine a world where gratitude, reverence for all life, and a deep sense of connection and
respect were widely embraced, I believe we would see a significant shift- not only in how we treat the earth, but also in how we treat one another. Such values have the potential to reshape our culture into one that is more sustainable, compassionate, and in harmony with the natural world.
Living in this mindful and respectful way will not only help heal the planet, but also has the potential to heal the brokenness and pain that so many of us feel in our own lives. In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, I feel there is a deep yearning for rest, meaningful connection, and more joy. Reconnecting with nature and restoring our relationship to the land can offer us a renewed sense of direction, purpose, and values. Dr. Kimmerer shares that her one piece of advice for anyone seeking to rebuild this connection is simple: plant a garden. I can personally attest to the truth of this. Since I began growing plants, I’ve felt a deeper sense of satisfaction and a renewed appreciation for the responsibility of nurturing something that, in turn, nurtures me. There’s a quiet, grounding joy in caring for a plant that ultimately provides food – it fosters both gratitude and a profound sense of reciprocity.
I can honestly say this has become one of my new favorite books, and I’ve
already recommended it to several friends and family members. Hearing Dr. Kimmerer’s experiences and her vision for a renewed way of living, one that actually calls us back to old ways of being, deeply resonated with me and reaffirmed my own personal values. By including both science and indigenous knowledge together, we could have the potential to radically transform our world. She reminded me that our connection to the land is not only vital, but intrinsic to who we are as human beings. I truly believe this bond is hardwired into us, and without it, we cannot live fully or find lasting happiness.
I want to end with a final quote from Dr. Kimmerer: “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” Do you know that the Earth loves you? Can you feel her whispering through the wind, the waves, the trees? If this is something you already sense, consider sharing that awareness, this sacred relationship, with someone else. If it’s a new idea, perhaps begin by simply spending time in stillness with the natural world. Listen. Observe. Feel. The Earth is always speaking; all we have to do is slow down enough to hear her.
Author Audrey Wood wrote this article for a University of Hawaii at Manoa course entitled “Human Values and the Environment” taught by HTMC member Betsy Fisher.