Guest Author - Susan Hopf
The world is difficult to navigate – geographically as well as morally. Human beings have, without question, devastated many facets of the planet during our short stay on this earth. Survival of the fittest seemed, for centuries, to be the equivalent of a free pass to untold human greed and self-righteousness – taking all and leaving nothing but destruction in our wake. But there is hope and that hope falls to a few seemingly inconsequential but innate human character traits that have, thus far, been repressed in all but a few brave souls.
This is the premise of a very different sort of conservation story. “The Fate of Nature” by Charles Whohlforth, a prize-winning author and reporter, examines and explores whether as human beings we have, somewhere in our genetic make up, the ability to change our competitive ways so that we might, before it’s too late, save the planet.
The plundering of all of Alaska’s resources in the 1800s, from salmon to gold, serves as a poignant illustration of man’s inability to contain his greed. Despite knowing that these resources would not last forever the pillaging continued until the birth of conservation forced its cessation.
Over fishing and hunting coupled with the trampling of pristine wilderness and the loss of uncountable horses and mules all in the name of lining one’s pockets devoured ecosystem after ecosystem. Even when it became apparent that the land of plenty was running out of plenty the hordes kept coming to try to squeeze a bit more out of the land and sea. Until one man, Will Langille, who was hired to act as guide to a group of gold rushers, realized that the cost was too high and began to work toward trying to save this once bountiful land.
Working with President Teddy Roosevelt, thankfully a man that appreciated the wilderness and Gifford Pinchot, a self-funded conservationist together they enacted some of our earliest parks and preservation laws. There was some dispute regarding just how much human use should be allowed in the park but eventually it was decided to protect areas of wilderness – for wilderness sake – not just for later harvest of its rebounding resources. At the time this was unheard of and it was the very beginnings of conservation, as we now know it.
We traipse across Alaska to the world of Academia where scientists begin to study the nature that is human. Conducting experiments where the subjects are given a certain amount of money and are asked to share a portion with those that have none most people strike a fair bargain with those in need – although those that hold the wealth do keep just a bit more for themselves. This experiment is repeated throughout the world in varying cultures – some of which consist of pre-industrial tribes in very remote sections of the world. The results do vary by culture but still come to the same conclusion that most people do play fair.
The author also questions human capacity for altruism vs. competition. Studies and experiments lead Mr. Wohlforth to believe that altruistic tendencies are an intrinsic quality of human beings. When left on our own it seems that we are better at giving with no expectations in return but when influenced by societal aggression and the push to possess we are lead easily astray.
The author writes: “In conclusion, I’m hopeful, because I see so many people choosing community over competition. We can call this the end of a long, sad story – we’re not obliged to continue the mistakes that were handed down to us. We’re free to enter into fulfilling relationships with people and nature. Many of us are opting out, at least partly, from the programming of more, more, more. I’m hopeful, as well, because so much science points to our better nature: our propensity to perceive meaning within other people, animals, and special places; our innate preference for fairness and cooperation; and our happiness when we fulfill those parts of ourselves.”
Before beginning this book my skepticism toward the human race’s ability to re-establish a healthy planet was firmly in place. The first few chapters cemented this perception. The chapters where science and philosophy enter chipped away at those stone cold ideas and by the end my faith in humanity was restored – well at least I have become more hopeful. I too have noticed a growing desire for people to re-connect with others – both human and animal as well as to the earth. My hope has been renewed and I believe this book will help you to see a brighter light at the end of the tunnel.
