Deep Experiences

Arne Næss understood philosophy as the art of cultivating wonder—an ever-deepening inquiry into our place within the unfolding world. He urged us to begin not with abstractions but with lived, deep experiences: moments of connection that dissolve the illusion of separation. Drawing from Spinoza, Gandhi, and Buddhist traditions, Næss saw philosophy as emerging from this ground of felt relationship with nature. More than a system of thought, it was a way of being—an invitation to live with greater attentiveness, joy, and responsibility within the vast web of life. This vision continues to guide the work of The Arne Næss Foundation, inspiring a renewed sense of belonging and care for the Earth.