Word/ Term: Gaia’s Revenge

Definition:

The Gaia hypothesis, also known as Gaia theory or Gaia principle, proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a self-regulating, complex system that contributes to maintaining the conditions for life on the planet.

I read it in Zadie Smith’s NW and it was brought up during class discussion by one of my class mates as she stated:

“Vol-can-ic air-borne ash man-ifestation”

“Gaia’s revenge . . .give it out long enough and you get it back” (NW 52-53)

I then wonder, who is Gaia? So here it is.

Word: Gaia

Definition:

In Greek mythology, Gaia, (gay-ə or gah-yə;[note 1] from Ancient Greek Γαῖα, a poetical form of Γῆ Gē, Ge, “land” or “earth”;[1]) also spelled Gaea, was the personification of the Earth[2] and one of the Greek primordial deities. Gaia was the great mother of all: the primal Greek Mother Goddess; creator and giver of birth to the Earth and all the Universe; the heavenly gods, the Titans, and the Giants were born to her. The gods reigning over their classical pantheon were born from her union with Uranus (the sky), while the sea-gods were born from her union with Pontus (the sea). Her equivalent in the Roman pantheon was Terra.[3]

I wanted to provide you with something different, such as a term for today, an idea or theory, that can very much still be used as a word of the day when constructing your sentence for today. It is also necessary to learn such things to be able to understand and read books closely. Also, it is quite interesting. I am a lover of learning. Period. Simply learning and I am sure many of you are as well. Have a great day!

Works Cited:

My class mates and professor may kill me, but I got this on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_(mythology)