Question

2. In more of a comment on life than ecology, Leopold in "A Sand County Almanac" makes the following statement in the essay "Illinois and Iowa": "When I call to mind my earliest impressions, I wonder whether the process ordinarily referred to as growing up is not actually a process of growing down; whether experience, so much touted among adults as the thing children lack, is not actually a progressive dilution of the essentials by the trivialities of living." What do you think Leopold means by this? Do you agree? Why or why not? How does this apply to our use of the environment?

Answer 1

Leopold in "A Sand county Almanac" discusses the importance of ecology in the surroundings. He discusses the ignorance of man as compared to a child in ignoring the diversity of plants and animals in the surroundings. He analyzed the potential of human beings to remain ignorant about the species of weeds which are growing in the surroundings and their harmful effects on soil which can lead to soil erosion. People living in villages utilize land animals and plants for the benefit of the society which causes changes in the environment and ecology. People living in cities get all the benefits of living, education and communication without directly linking themselves or getting involved with the importance of environment and its preservation. He emphasizes on the need of humans to develop an ecological conscience with awareness of the ecological factors necessary for maintaining the environmental balance in the surroundings. This process of learning the importance of ecology and environment has been run down due to intermingling of the environment issues with politics which children are small to understand.If political environmentalism issues can be handled properly then it is much better to think about environment on a self-consciousness basis. One should realize the importance of preserving environment along with exploitation and harnessing the resources available in the environment. People belonging to specific regions have distinct anthropolgy and language diversity with prevalence of environmental conditions necessary for survival. The species of rats have a role in environment as they destroy and eat crops which causes considerable damage to humans. These all issues are important to humans and not to children as long as the utilization of land, plants and animals is known to humans and it is not a normal way of working in a society and communicating with friends. Yes, i agree that humans in cities do not have a dilution of environmental values as various efforts are considered for maintaining the climate and environment of a place rather than the disbalance caused to the environment by just utilizing the land resources with animals and plants.