A Dialogue between Plants and Poetry——An Analysis on Goethe's Integral View of Nature

Art is the starting point for Goethe's botanical study, through which he as a poet and naturalist aims to seek for the "essential form" of nature. The conclusion of his botanical research that "leaf" is the origin of plants is itself a combination of science and poetry, indicating his integral view of nature. Goethe's unification of science, art and literature represents his reflection on the separation problems arising from the departmentalization of modern academia. His integral view of nature may provide insights for our understanding of the role of humanities in our own society.