In the first half of the book, Leopold gives us a rich and intimate look at nature through his beautiful nature journaling. He brings us into his mind and shows us the world as he sees it. His reverence for the natural world is truly infectious. It is an extreme pleasure to read Leopold’s inferences and perceptions of nature because he gives each creature (plant and animal) in his vignettes such careful consideration. He writes as if nature is poetry and capturing its essence on paper is Leopold’s duty. His writing exudes a love and respect for the environment and anyone reading his words will undoubtedly feel his passion. This first half of the book is an exploration of nature and a discovery of one’s self through reflection of our place in the world.

“…all conservation of wilderness is self-defeating, for to cherish we must see and fondle, and when enough have seen and fondled, there is no wilderness left to cherish.”

The second half of the book is written for philosophers and big thinkers. Leopold raises questions about our poor stewardship of the land, our neglect for native wilderness and wildlife, and our eagerness to dominate the natural world. He challenges readers to think bigger than themselves and see the world as a system where every cog is vital and important to the functioning of the ecological organism.

“…a land ethic changes the role of Home sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it.”

Though published in 1949 after Leopold’s death in 1948, the sentiments and insights raised in this book still ring true today. We would be wise to heed Leopold’s warning and develop a resounding land ethic – a respect for the natural world as a community to which we belong – rather than continue to see land as something to be owned or profited from.

“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

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Created Jan 19, 2019 at 11:44pm • Submit your own review...