How does nature speak in people's dreams?

Back-to-nature Movement

Ni Yinong, a senior teacher from Beijing, introduces basic knowledge about the natural sciences to the forum participants, particularly to children there. [Courtesy of SELF Forum]

Ni began his speech with a test for children that involved counting the birds that were hiding in the woods and forests. But, none of the audience gave the right number until Ni marked the birds with color to circle them out in the picture.

"Unsurprisingly, it is not your inability to count but your insights about nature that failed you. A hunter who lives with natural creatures responded quickly as when I first showed him the image."

"Let your children go back to nature," advocated Ni, hoping a back-to-nature movement to reconnect children with outdoors activities will grow and create a healthy environment for youth.

The Chinese TED-style forum attracted hundreds of people. Co-sponsored by the Computer Network Information Center (CNIC) and the Bureau of science and communication at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the monthly forum aims to discuss the development of science, education, life and future in the spirit of investigating the world to gain knowledge, encourage free and independent character and expression of thought, breaking boundaries and inspiring future innovation and development.