Ideals of Human Excellence and Preserving Natural Environments

摘要: A wealthy eccentric bought a house in neighborhood I know. The was surrounded by beautiful display of grass, plants, and flowers, it shaded huge old avocado tree. But the grass required cutting, flowers needed tending, man wanted more sun. So he cut whole lot down covered yard with asphalt. After all his property not fond plants. It small operation, but reminded me strip mining large sections Appalachians. In both cases, course, there were reasons for destruction, rights could be cited as justification. help wonder, “What sort person would do thing like that?” Many Californians had similar reaction when recent governor defended leveling ancient redwood groves, reportedly saying, “If you have seen one redwood, them all.” Incidents these arouse indignation ardent environmentalists leave even apolitical observers some degree moral discomfort. reactions are mostly obvious. Uprooting natural environment robs present future generations much potential use enjoyment. Animals too depend on environment; if does value animals their own sakes, utility us is incalculable. Plants needed, to replenish atmosphere quite aside from aesthetic value.