Yung Suk Kim
First, natural entities are stationary; flora is rooted in place. Although seeds may be dispersed by wind, the plants themselves do not relocate.
Second, natural entities operate on instinct, devoid of self-determination.
Third, they lack the freedom of movement that defines human existence.
Fourth, the natural world lacks a protective mechanism for justice. When lightning strikes a tree, adjacent trees may be damaged or destroyed without recourse. All natural entities must endure events without protection. Finally, nature operates without a centralized authority; growth and decay occur organically.Despite these differences, we can still explore questions of justice in nature. What form of justice is applicable? Justice is present in nature to the extent that it comprises essential elements like air, wind, earth, water, chemicals, or genes, from which all living things benefit. Yet, other justice aspects, such as freedom of movement or protection systems, are lacking. These are distinctly human concepts relevant only to the human realm.
When we examine nature from a micro perspective, we can identify some "ideal" aspects of justice, which can be defined as "the right mode of living" according to nature.
First, plants and trees do not compete aggressively for resources. They are content with what they have and do not seek to take more from others.
Second, they thrive together in diversity while maintaining their individual identities.
Third, we can learn a lesson about social justice from the mustard seed. Jesus highlighted the significance of smallness in his teachings through parables. Though the mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, it possesses great potential to become what it is meant to be. Even if it doesn't grow into the biggest tree, like a cedar, the emphasis is on realizing one's potential rather than competing to be the largest.
Ultimately, we should not discriminate against others based on appearance, race, gender, class, or any other social determinants.