In The Nature Principle, journalist and environmentalist Richard Louv calls for action against the nature-deficit disorder, a term he introduced in his bestselling novel Last Child in the Woods. Nature-deficit disorder is the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical detriment caused by a lack of connection with our natural environment. Written in five parts, Louv makes a compelling argument for decreasing the nature-deficit disorder in adults and presents recommendations for how to do so. Louv bases his evidence on narrative events and research.

In Part 1, Louv discusses the neurological science between nature and human health. As human brains are rewired by the technological age, we need to make sure that nature is a part of our development. While some studies suggest that use of technology in early childhood could stunt brain development, Louv believes that being in nature develops a person’s senses, attention, and intellectual abilities. Louv’s solution is a “Hybrid Mind,” in which technology aids connection with nature.

In Part 2, Louv explores the health benefits of our natural world, from our emotional to physical health, citing his father’s suicide as his motivator for learning the “restorative power of nature.” He introduces topics of mind/body/nature connection and points to new research that suggests benefits of nature therapy on ailments like stress, dementia, and heart disease. He supports the findings with the story of Robby Astrove, a naturalist who contracted HIV at age 15 and credits his remission with his connectedness to nature. Louv also redefines nature as a “meaningful kinship with other species,” asserting that communion with nature can happen in a city or a wilderness.

Part 3 makes the claim that nature is wherever we are, not just in wilderness environments. Our natural environment connects us to our communities, and with purposeful city planning, we can ensure our land restores and preserves this connection. Louv suggests that parents seek out family outdoor activities in their community and make conservation of their environment personal. Families can commune with nature by visiting urban gardens, farms, walking, or hiking.

In Part 4, Louv suggests changes to public policy that will allow for greener, more sustainable cities, and proposes “pocket parks” that connect and weave throughout the city. Louv discusses the effects of light and noise pollution, and he points out that green architecture, natural design, and biomimicry can help with productivity problems as well as assisting with a connection to nature. 

Part 5 summarizes the importance of nature to our individual and community health, while making a call to action for our future. Throughout the book, Louv provides recommendations to individuals and communities to how we can restore and preserve a sustainable relationship with the natural world.