I agree with the idea that conservation should be implemented merely for the sake of conserving, not just be ““sustainable” in relation to humans.” (Pg. 73) When I observe nature, and it’s magnificent and intricate workings, it is difficult to think that any human could believe that this world was made just for us. How arrogant of man to think that all the earth is his domain. The earth was made for all of nature’s creatures; “we are only fellow voyagers in the odyssey of evolution” (Aldo Leopold) The modern anthropocentric views of our place on earth are greatly skewed. “If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen.” (Henry David Thoreau) Humans have a place on earth, but they are not the owners of it. Resources such as forests are vital to our survival, and we must only take what we need of it, and leave the rest for other organisms and future generations.

“[Humans are] not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area… Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet.” (The Matrix) This pattern of overconsumption and disregard must cease if we are to survive as a species, and as a biosphere for much longer. We can be cured without eradication. We must make an effort to once more become one with our surroundings and take heed of natures warnings. The process may be slow but we must work together to heal the abusive scars of cement and iron we have left on Mother Nature’s back. “Survival of all or none… One raindrop raises the sea… Weapons are enemies, even to their owners… Give more, take less… Observe, listen and learn… Exercise imagination… Eat to live, don't live to eat… Find the light.” (Dinotopia, James Gurney)