6 - Deep Ecology

Part III of the text begins with introducing other ways to approach the ecological crisis. Ultimately, it states that the underlying concern is how it all fits together and how we can not only understand but also act to fix the problems. I feel like this will always be the million dollar question because there will always be some people who claim they understand it and know what to do while the other half of the population disagrees; therefore, it seems to be a vicious cycle we are apart of. Anyway, one form of belief is called to the reader's attention and that is the idea of "deep ecology" presented by Arne Naess. Essentially, Naess' beliefs stem from the idea of the interconnection of all life. Naess believed that a shift in attitude was needed rather than merely an act of technology. I would have to agree with this, however, this is where the problem lies - people's attitudes and ways of life have to change which seems rather impossible in today's world.

The 7 conditions Naess lists on page 111-12 basically states that human life should be compatible with the fact that humans should be able prolong their existence on Earth. Throughout the reading, when Naess compares deep and shallow ecology, he is stressing the importance of looking at things deeper than just what's on the surface. One must focus on his/her efforts and how they relate to the world rather than the faults of another person. He touches on the idea of self-realization and not simply acting out of short-term personal gain but rather what is good for all of humanity. As I thought more about it, I think that the concepts that Naess presents can relate to a sense of maturity in the individual and how people identify themselves in relation to the world. Sure, I eat meat and would rather not think about how/where my meat came from. However, my family has recently become accustomed to eating deer meat and utilizing the privilege of hunting and not wasting meat. (I know, hunting animals is a whole other issue). Furthermore, we try to buy from local farms that don't use artificial supplements and we try to buy as much organic food as possible. I know this does not mean much in comparison to the bigger picture but it's a start.

On page 114, Naess states how gradual identification is the basic tool for personal growth and natural product of maturity. This made me think that people are they way they are today because of how they grew up/how they were raised. People tend to be greedy and narrow-minded and only seek benefits for themselves. If they were raised this way, it is likely that they will raise their children with these beliefs. Thus, the cycle continues. I feel like all my posts can be kind of cynical, but I guess since I've seen ecological problems spring up in my lifetime, I can't see it getting any better anytime soon. Furthermore, I think it's true how Kohak poses the question as to how children can possibly understand the beauty of life if they do not learn about it...(115). Essentially, children will never know if they're never taught; and if they only see what's on t.v. then they well see/learn things from the skewed perception of society.