Northern Arizona University/Environmental Ethics/Journals/Angela's Journal

Journal Entry 1

Leopold describes the different layers in the land pyramid as being so intricately intertwined as to appear random. However, the stability with which this system operates indicates that it is, in fact, highly organized. I think this stability is why nature can be so therapeutic. Among the disorder in our lives caused by human variables, nature, even through its vicissitudes, is constant. Its densely interwoven parts are too vast and too mutable to fully comprehend. From our perspective, nature can therefore appear to be an unconquerable foe. This makes it the ideal place to find solace from the disorder in our lives.

However, nature is not unconquerable. However small our species may be in the biotic community, the land pyramid is still subjected to our influences. Agriculture and grazing strips the soil of its nutrients. Hunting eliminates species. Countless other influences surely play a role, but these processes would better be described by an ecologist than by a psychology major. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility as conscious beings within the pyramid to preserve this structure as best we can. Leopold states that, "obligations have no meaning without conscience." Therefore, we must first recognize our place within this elaborate system and create ways to lessen our negative impact upon it.

I think it is important to stipulate that human nature will not allow ecological mindedness to supersede more basic needs, such as the nee for food or the need for safety. This could explain the inaction of the famers during the Soil Conservation. After being promised free technical service and specialized machinery in exchange for writing roes for land use, the farmers had not written any rules even after a decade. However, this law was passed in 1937 during the Great Depression. A decade later, World War II had only been over for two years. I think ecological mindedness is among the next steps in our growing domain of concern as a society. However, first it is necessary that more basic needs are met.