We believe understanding is not most often driven by practical or instrumental purposes.The desire for understanding is driven by something more human. It is peoples’ nature to seek connections - connections to others, to the earth, and to ideas. This sense of connectedness is not only at the level of individual cognition, it comes from a desire to know with one's heart and mind, emotions and cognitions, imagination and reason. People pursue understanding to feel connected in ways that tell them they are human.