Aldo Leopold

This article really made me think of our environment from a completely different point of view; like the article said, we always think about land as property, with no obligations to it, a stricly economic relationship.  But Leopold begins discussing a concept called land-ethic, in which our "community" is enlarged to INCLUDE our soil, plants, animals, etc.  That way instead of being "conquerors of the land-community" we become members, with a responsibility to help it thrive.  I've NEVER viewed the land (soil, water, plants, animals etc) as a member of MY community; I've never really felt as though I had any responsibility or obligation to it and I've always viewed it as being there to meet my needs.  I think it is safe to say that many people view it this way, and it was only after reading this article that I even thought to think about the land in any other way.  It kind of makes sense as to why our environment is being so mistreated and depleted; if no one feels responsible for it, but feels that they are entitled to any/all the benefits that come from the land, then who is there to take care of it and defend its continued existance? Until people start viewing the land as a part of their community, and each one partake in the responsibility of caring for it, then the environment is going to continue to perish.