Deep Ecology

Throughout history human kind has held a certain fascination for the natural world, that they are a part of. The key principle of the deep ecology movement is that men are not the proprietors of nature, but only a small component of the biosphere. This principle explains how each and every creature, no matter how microscopic is essential in the circle of life.The Dominant World View is primarily based upon homocentric and money centered ideals, whereas Deep Ecology presents a solution to this disconnect between man and nature. It proposes developing a harmonious relationship with nature, where all members of the biosphere possess intrinsic value. We must live in harmony with nature and discontinue destructive and wasteful ambitions, for simpler more altruistic ways. It employs the finest ecological aspects of many different religions and philosophies to create a comprehensive “Deep Ecology” World View. It “preaches” against technocratic anthropocentrism, and the consumerist principles that seem to be devouring the Western world. It supports minority traditions that find their ‘roots’ within living in balance with nature. The hope of Deep Ecologists is not necessarily to dispute science or discontinue its advancement, but to go about development carefully and in a “non-dominating”, and appropriate fashion.

Deep Ecology: Living as if nature mattered is an important book to read promoting stewardship of the Earth. It explains the premise of the “Deep Ecology” movement and how it relates to the Dominant World View. Deep Ecology is presented to give the reader a sense of responsibility towards Earth and its inhabitants, human and non-human, present and future. I mostly agree with the authors’ message. I believe that the human race has really lost something, as has each individual living in a society that has strayed so far from its origins.

“[Your body] is saying there’s gotta be something out there. I remember, it was green, and gorgeous, and blue skies. But it doesn’t know we paved over all that.”(Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody) In this day and age people are so out of touch. In this fast paced, modern, industrialized world we scarcely have time to get a breath of fresh air, if there was any “fresh air” to be found. If man was made to live like he is currently, the Earth would have already come equipped with microwaves and T.V. dinners. “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” (Gandhi) Many citizens have no idea where their food comes from. Children are becoming so detached that they cannot recognize the food they eat in its natural form, seeing only what is packaged in chemical-laden materials on the store shelves with their favorite television character printed in bold colors on the front.

Though many of the principles of Deep Ecology are logical, I disagree with the proposal of biospecies equality. Every organism has its place on the food chain, if a vital link was missing, the chain would fall apart. However not all organisms were created equally. Plants versus vertebrates, vertebrates versus invertebrates; there is a distinct difference between categories of organisms. The fact that some have a nervous system and some do not is a major factor in the formation of a hierarchy. Hierarchies are frequent in nature, ranging from the echelons of a wolf pack, to the pecking order of chickens. Each animal, person, species, has a rank, whether it’s in a pack, social system, or biosphere. I do, however, feel that it is important for humans to keep in mind that their actions affect other species, and despite the fact that they may be lower life forms, they still play an important role in the eco-system. Where would a king be without his people? The lion must still have many antelope, even if it is the king of the savannah.

“In recent decades we have slowly come back to some of the truths that the Native Americans knew from the beginning: that unborn generations have claim on the land equal to our own; that men need to learn from nature, to keep an ear to the earth, and to replenish their spirits in frequent contacts with animals and wild land.” (pg. 59) I have noticed a great increase in companies trying to “Go Green”, and more advertising campaigns and products are popping up with environmental awareness in mind. Whether it’s a commercial with activist undertones, on all organic foods and personal care products, green is the new black. Despite these attempts to save the environment, these corporations are still exactly that, corporations. They don’t try to protect the environment just because they care. They do it because that is what sells. Companies don’t really want you to go off and live a completely green lifestyle. If you did, you wouldn’t need their product! Despite their fair façade, they are just perpetuating the American consumerist mindset that has ultimately led to exploitation of resources, and disconnection from true environmental awareness. “Modern psychology… presents us with oversimplified and distorted socially oriented models of healthy mature human beings.” (pg. 81) The modern American is subject to “about 3000 advertising messages a day” (Union of Concerned Scientists) Most of these ads however are overlooked. Americans suffer from information overload, and therefore have learned to tune out most advertising. This means that Americans are less aware of their surroundings. I, for example, rarely read billboard signs. They are simply a part of the city scenery. If we can overlook a 20 foot by 60 foot sign with bright writing and pictures, what else are Americans overlooking? Specifically within themselves and within nature, we are missing something, and neither E news nor MTV can tell us what it is. I believe this basic principle of Deep Ecology, to question society, your inner self, and the world around you is vital. This is a message that more people need to realize. “There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.” (Linda Hogan)

“We are now aware that physical health cannot be separated from mental health, and the health of the individual cannot be separated from the health of the environment.” (pg. 89)

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)