This quote really symbolizes how long the struggle for a
healthy earth has been going on. People in general have been using the earth
for their own selfish reasons mostly to get ahead economically. People cut down
forests for warehouses and housing complexes without really weighing in on what
type of impact it will have on the environment. The earth is most important
because is sustains life as we know it its wrong that we damage it for personal
gain.
“In short, a land ethic changes the role of homo sapiens
from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it” (Leopold60).
I think this quote may be one of the most important out of
the whole reading. The reason I believe this quote is so important is because
it shows us how important it is to have a noble land ethic and understanding.
We as human beings are only another species on the earth. We may be the self-proclaimed
best species because of our problem solving skills and communication skills but
that won’t help us if we destroy our habitat. It is unfair for us as humans
being the “smartest” species on earth to continue our unsustainable practices
that are damaging not only our home but the habitat we share with hundreds of
other species.
“A system of conservation based solely on economic self-interest
is hopelessly lopsided” (Leopold 67)
This statement holds true in all aspects of the world and
not only conservation efforts. We live in a time where everything from
politics, sports and conservations efforts are led by the economic self-interest
of our population. We do not have a strong land ethic and understanding for the
importance of earth instead we worry more about sustaining economic capital to
continue our consumer ways. People who work for self-interest are not concerned
with the good of the community but rather the good of their pockets and assets.
We must break down the walls of conservations techniques and start by teaching
people why it is important to take care of the only floating rock we have to
live on.
Sources: Leopold. (1949). The land ethic. Oxford University Press.
Pictures: 1,2,3
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