Leopold Journal

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The Land Ethic 

Quotations by Aldo Leopold

“A land ethic changes the role of the Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it” (Leopold 60)

When I think of land ethic, I think of mutual respect for the land I live in. Many humans treat the land as if it will restore itself. The land needs to be treated in a way that will preserve it for many years to come. It seems as if many people, including myself at times, take the land they live in that provides so many joys and gifts, for granted. This statement is small but very powerful. Humans treat the land like they are the ruler. If people changed their view to be more surrounded around the fact that what they do will affect themselves, as well as generations to come, the world would have a land ethic. If people felt connected to nature and felt they were equal not superior to the land they live on, the world would be a better place.

“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land. Despite nearly a century of propaganda, conservation still proceeds at a snails pace” (Leopold 62)

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I believe conservation is at a snails pace for two reasons, money and lack of education. Just like Leopold states, the farmers, as well as the government will not do anything unless it is profitable. Its sad that many reasons that govern conservation are because of greed. Long-term consequences are unheard of because the focus is on the profit. Lack of education is another factor that is slowing down efforts to conserve. Lack of education and misleading information causes people to think we are doing what is needed to protect the world we live in and the resources we use. If people were properly educated with how to conserve the land, conservation would pick up speed. Viewing conservation as a state of harmony also means viewing and treating the land with respect. If more people viewed land as something in need of protecting, it could change the way we treat the land we live on. 

“It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relation to land can exist without love, respect, and admiration for land, and a high regard for its value” (Leopold 75)

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In my opinion, I believe consciousness of land is something society as a whole is severely lacking. People have a lot of things to concentrate on in their busy schedules of work, school, family, and so on. I have always wondered if the way you are brought up matters how you feel about nature as an adult. Some children are taught to embrace nature, play in the dirt, and look for bugs. Some children are inside all day watching TV and playing video games. I definitely think that a person’s love for nature is impacted by the way they have been taught to view it from a young age. Simply put just like the statement, people need to view the land with a high value and love for any change to occur. I know for sure that my future children will be connected to nature in as many ways as possible.