Theme and message

The main theme Eric Hoffer explores in the essay “Nature and the City” is the relationship between man and nature. Hoffer’s message is that— at least on the American continent— man and nature have an antagonistic relationship. The writer’s intention is to show that man thrives better in cities than in nature and that our success as a species depends on our ability to tame nature. 

Man and nature

The relationship between man and nature has often been a subject of reflection both in literature and philosophy. The essay “Nature and the City” deals with the negative aspects of this relationship. Through various arguments, the writer claims that nature is inherently hostile to mankind and that the city environment is more adapted to our needs. Hoffer rejects the idea that nature is “pure, innocent, serene, health-giving” (p. 212, ll. 5-6) which ...