Nature is an inherent character or constitution, [1] particularly of the ecosphere or the universe as a whole. In this general sense nature refers to the laws , elements and phenomena of the physical world, including life . Although humans are part of nature, human activity or humans as a whole are often described as at times at odds, or outright separate and even superior to nature. [2] During the advent of modern scientific method in the last several centuries, nature became the passive reality , organized and moved by divine laws. With the Industrial revolution , nature increasingly became seen as the part of reality deprived from intentional intervention: it was hence considered as sacred by some traditions ( Rousseau , American transcendentalism ) or a mere decorum for divine providence or human history ( Hegel , Marx ). However, a vitalis...