#BookReview for "The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative" by Florence WilliamsMehThe lesson of the book is that we should spend more time outside. That's great. It makes a lot of specific, intense claims. Claims usually backed by very small, unreplicated studies with self-selected study participated. In other words, not large randomized controlled trials, the gold standard of science. So take the specifics with a grain of salt. Also bear in mind how strong the placebo effect can be: if you go on a nature hike because you're told it's a treatment that will make you feel better, odds are good you'll feel better - purely because of your expectations.Fact-checking is weak. The book incorrectly says that women's cycles sync up, that sonar makes whale's heads explode, that pink (look up Baker-Miller pink) makes men less violent, that red causes people to walk faster and win more fights. All of these are disproven, or at least are much more nuanced.So how seriously can we take the bigger claims in the book?That said, there does seem to be evidence for the value of greener communities. And many of us have felt refreshed by stepping away from our work and taking a walk outdoors. If that's practical and enjoyable for you, by all means, go for it! But don't take this book as scripture. Don't believe every little claim.
