Yi Yuen - Janelle Ting

Dr. Mary Jane Keleher & Dr. Kristen Taylor

Biology 1120
2 October, 2015
A Reflection of The Land Ethic by Aldo Leopold
Part I
Aldo Leopold, an influential figure in the field of Biology, is the author of A Sand
County Almanac, With Essays on Conservation from Round River. In an excerpt from the
book, is one of his most notable works "The Land Ethic". As a plea to modern culture, he
presented some prominent points regarding his views on land ethic.
First, he asserts that nature is a landscape that consists of an organized system of
interrelated relationships. This includes us humans, we are part of the ecological community
regardless of how we see ourselves. We might even play a role on Earth that is just as significant
as that of a dung beetle. The land ethic includes the soil, air, water, flora, and fauna as well. He is
the first to systematically present eco-centric ethics as opposed to previous conservationists who
based their argument off of anthropocentrism.
Another point he makes is that maintaining the health of our ecosystem and its ecological
processes should be a priority. If we look at the bigger picture, we will realize that how we treat
the biosphere will ultimately affect us. In a poor condition, it would not function and be of any

use to us; it could even be harmful, and we would risk losing it forever. it will be detrimental
towards mankind.
Thirdly, he mentions that we should seek an equilibrium that makes both nature and
mankind healthy and happy. Leopold describes conservation as being " a state of harmony
between man and land." Realistically, we will not be able to live a healthy, normal, and
functional life without the use of natural resources, and neither has nature been left totally
unhindered. So what sets us apart from then and now? To illustrate, the cavemen can hunt and
cut all the trees they want in the vast land, but it wouldn't affect the environment much because
the population is smaller then, so it was done on a much smaller scale. Now, after the earth's
resources have been has been exploited for thousands and thousands of years by humans, things
are starting to run out, exponentially with the increasing population. Things take years to grow
and replenish, and it cannot keep up with that kind of demand. We are challenged by population
density and are spoiled by the efficiency of tools, it is easy to just take whatever we want and be
in denial that it will run out one day.
The essay on a whole is centered around the principle that, "A thing is right when it tends
to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends
otherwise." Although it was written in 1949, his forward-thinking philosophy that he had
displayed still remains relevant till today.
Part II
In regards to the forerunners of American conservationists, I would characterize my land
ethic as being along the lines of Henry David Thoreau and Gifford Pinchot based on my personal

views and experiences. While I agree with Thoreau in a sense that, people need to immerse
themselves in nature in order to see its value. Living all our lives in the "concrete jungle" with
everything easily handed to us, we have become desensitized towards life other than ours, and
ignorant about where our things comes from. However, he over-emphasized this and disregarded
our natural human needs by being over-zealous. As with Pinchot, the use of natural resources, as
it has been since the beginning of mankind, is inevitable. Which is why we should utilize the
recourses sparingly with much consideration, as well as replenish what we have taken.
Sustainability enables future generations get to enjoy the same, if not, better. As Pinchot said, I
believe a holistic ethic will help further "the greatest good of the greatest number [of people] for
the longest time."
One of the principles of the land ethic is viewing ourselves as equals with not just
animals and vegetation, but also things and beings that you would not even consider as valuable,
such as insects, pests, grass, air, water, and soil. For me, as scary or gross as they may seem, I
leave a colony of ants alone because they play an ecological role that is bigger than what I am
capable of understanding. Who are we to rob them of the opportunity to progress when it still has
its place in nature? We are endowed by God with the role of being stewards of the Earth, to
practice this principle is to respect the land and its fragile web of life that depends on it. We are
hardwired to compete to survive, but at the same time, we feel obliged to cooperate because it is
ethical, enabling us to have a place in our society. It is to our advantage in the end.
Since the elite has the monopoly, they call the shots. A lot of practices big corporations
are sadly, based on the scope of human self-interest, because ethical choices are perceived to be
more cumbersome and costly. As a result, the choices they make are mostly based economically

rather than what is really good. When money is rolling in, people tend to ignorantly place
themselves at the top of the land pyramid and disregard everything else. However, nowadays,
things are slowly changing for the better due to campaigns that raise awareness and
conservationists working with the law to restrict corporations from abusing. People are finding
new ways to conserve and go for eco-friendly options like hybrid cars, energy-saving lightbulbs,
and biodegradable products. Not to mention there are also cruelty-free products that makes sure
that no animals are harmed or at least receive ethical treatment. When people are aware of where
their everyday commodities come from, they tend to value them more and not put it to waste.
Leopold's most noteworthy saying that A thing is right when it tends to preserve the
integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. is
true. To be clear, the land ethic does not stop man from using these resources, but to "affirm their
right to continued existence...in a natural state" through respect and proper management in using
these resources. Because the conditions of the biotic community effects us in so many ways that
we might not even be aware of, we should think deliberately before we make a drastic change.
For example, if a new species of toad is to be introduced to a foreign region that has never had
such species, will it overall benefit or be detrimental towards the community involved?
Leopold also mentions that, It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relationship [with
land] can exist without love, respect, admiration, and a high regard for its value. For me, I think
beauty goes hand in hand with duty: When things are done right, beauty comes as reward; when
you take good care of a plants, beautiful flowers will bloom. From that, we gain "love, respect,
admiration, and a high regard for its value". We will be motivated to continue to do better when
we see the rewards we reap.

In my personal view of land ethic as a whole, I think it emanates primarily from my

passion for animals since childhood and seeing the ugly side of what consumerism and
development has caused. I first became aware with this epidemic when I saw Michael Jackson's
music video of Earth Song, it pains me to see the trees falling, animals dying, and the unhappy
faces because of our own selfishness. We are capable of great destruction. Because of us, animals
lose their homes, they wander into human territory and get shot, they starve to death because
they have lost their source of food, and they cannot produce and raise their young. Because of us,
landslides happen because there isn't enough rooted trees and other vegetation to hold the soil.
One thing leads to another and ultimately it will negatively affect us.
Part III
In conjunctions with what I previously said, since it is written back in the 1940s, it does
not fully apply to today's circumstances. There are some gaps to be filled only because times
have changed. Nevertheless, as time progresses, we shall call it a work in progress; there is room
for improvement to strengthen his ideology. What I noticed is that, like all, early conservationists
discussed, all humans are the cause of all ecological complications and are condemned.
After reading "The Land Ethic", my views on the meaning and importance of ecology
and conservation are more refined. I am more aware of the multi-faceted aspects and it has
affirmed and added more knowledge from my pre-existing views in our relationship with Earth
and its inhabitants. It has a lot of good, strong, and inspiring quotes to present in an argument.