Describe the relationship the Kikuyu had with their surroundings in the memoir, The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood?

Although the Kikuyu were knowledgeable about their surroundings and had names for every creature and plant, they nevertheless took little notice. They did not leave their mark upon the landscape and seemed to have no desire to control or re-make the landscape in a different image. This contrasted with the European attitude, which seemed driven to change nature.