Core Viewpoint - The book "The Botany of Desire" by Michael Pollan presents a non-anthropocentric perspective on the domestication of plants, highlighting a co-evolution process where both humans and plants benefit from each other [2][5][12] Group 1: Book Overview - "The Botany of Desire" explores the domestication of crops like apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes as a collaborative evolution between humans and plants [2] - The book was initially translated by Wang Yi and published by Shanghai People's Publishing House before being re-translated by Liu Su and published by CITIC Press in July 2025 [2] Group 2: Influence of Documentaries - Pollan cites the BBC documentary "The Private Life of Plants" as a significant influence, showcasing plants' movements and survival instincts, which encourages viewers to anthropomorphize plants [3][5] Group 3: Controversial Aspects - The book contains controversial views, particularly regarding cannabis and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which may not be well-received by all audiences [5][12] - Pollan's criticism of GMOs stems from concerns about ecological risks, such as the potential for gene flow to wild populations [12] Group 4: Industry Reactions - The food industry has historically prioritized profit over public safety, leading to a need for regulatory bodies like the FDA to address food safety issues [13][16] - The recent "Xibei incident" sparked discussions about pre-prepared foods, revealing a divide in public opinion and highlighting the need for transparency in food labeling [8][9][10]

Core Perspective - The article presents the idea that the domestication of plants is a two-way process, where plants have influenced human desires and actions, leading to a mutual evolution between humans and plants [1][11]. Group 1: Plant Domestication and Human Interaction - The author reflects on the chaotic growth of a garden, illustrating how plants can overtake human designs and intentions, emphasizing the wild nature of plant growth [3][4]. - The relationship between humans and plants is characterized as a dance of desires, where both parties influence each other, leading to a complex interplay of survival and evolution [11][12]. - Historical figures like John Chapman and modern scientists are mentioned as participants in this ongoing dialogue between human desires and plant evolution, highlighting the shared journey of cultivation and domestication [8][10]. Group 2: Biodiversity and Future Implications - The article stresses the importance of biodiversity, suggesting that reducing variety in plant cultivation can limit evolutionary potential and future opportunities [13][14]. - The author advocates for the preservation of diverse plant genes, including those that may seem useless or unattractive, to ensure a stable and rich ecosystem [13][14]. - The narrative encourages a shift in perspective towards a more harmonious relationship with nature, where humans recognize their interconnectedness with the natural world [14].