A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule

A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule

In his book "Second Nature: A Gardener's Education," Michael Pollan famously stated that "a lawn is nature under totalitarian rule." This provocative statement challenges our conventional understanding of lawns as natural spaces and instead invites us to consider the ways in which they are carefully controlled and manipulated by humans.

At first glance, a lawn may appear to be a simple patch of grass, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it is anything but natural. Lawns are meticulously maintained through regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weeding, all of which serve to create a uniform and manicured appearance. This level of control over the natural world is reminiscent of a totalitarian regime, where every aspect of life is tightly regulated and monitored.

Furthermore, the very concept of a lawn is a human invention, born out of a desire for order and control over the natural landscape. In his book, Pollan explores the history of lawns and how they have come to symbolize status, wealth, and power. Lawns were originally created by European aristocrats as a way to showcase their wealth and privilege, and this tradition has persisted to this day.