Erdleben: Living with Nature

Carus’ fascination with nature was evident since his childhood years when for relaxation he would take walks in the Rosenthal forest. It became a central part of his personal life philosophy. As was described in previous chapters, the formation of his basic belief in the way of living went through dramatic challenges to his life and work before locating him in a secure professional position. Carus’ first depiction of the dramatic natural scene of allegory of life comes from the time he was moving from being a student to the life of a practicing doctor. Thirty years later, that philosophy found its expression in his letters on living-with-earth (Erdleben). The chapter outlines the basic notions included in it.