Biology 1120: Conservation Biology
Instructor: Kristen Taylor
Mariann Dahl
The Land Ethic”
Reflection Paper
In Aldo Leopold’s essay, “The Land Ethic” we as human beings are scolded for our poor
treatment of our land (the soils, waters, plants, and animals). He talks about how this land is not
ours to destroy but we are only custodians of this earth and that we have an obligation to take
care of it. But people only change and do the right thing if it benefits them economically. We
need to have a land ethic and educate ourselves on how to take care of our land, including the
water, plants, and animals. “A land ethic then reflects the existence of an ecological conscience,
and this in turn reflects a conviction of every individual’s responsibility for the health of the
land. Health is the capacity of the land for self-renewal. Conservation is our effort to understand
and preserve this capacity.” Mr. Leopold then continues on to educate the reader about the “the
Balance of Nature”, how energy flows through the biota and about food chains and energy
circuits among other things.
Aldo Leopold states that he has presented “The Land Ethic” as a product of social
evolution because nothing as important as an ethic is ever “written.”
I do believe that education is the answer. Just from what I have learned in the few
chapters of this course- The importance of every living creature and plant for maybe its unknown
intrinsic value. Maybe a cure for cancer or could be the end of mankind.
As far as characterizing my own conservation philosophy, I would have to say up until I
took a class in Conservation Biology I did not have a philosophy on the subject. I never really
thought about it because I did not know anything about the subject. Now having read through a
few chapters I think I understand the importance of our fellow creatures on this planet and that is
not just about the humans.
Considering the statement: “A land ethic changes the role of humans from conqueror of
the land community to plain members and citizens of it. It implies respect for his fellowmembers, and also respect for the community as such.” I would apply this ethic in my life by
understanding that I share this earth with many other creatures equally and I will learn how to be
a better citizen of the earth resources.
Leopold wrote in the 1940’s, “The land-relation is still strictly economic, entailing
privileges but not obligations.” Today I would say that we have come a long way, for instance
we now have a science called Conservation Biology. We have the national parks, forest service,
etc.
When Leopold said that “the land ethic is extending a community’s sensibilities to all
members of the community, nonhuman as well as human.” The meaning this would have in my
life or community is that as humans we need keep our water and air clean for other animals and
plants, save the rainforest and keep our was unpolluted by chemicals and wastes.
I agree with this passage from the “Land Ethic”: “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.” I think he said it beautifully. I think Leopold was suggesting that the integrity of the
biotic community supersedes the concerns for its individual members. The implication of this
concept for me means that if we take care of the larger community it will take care of us as
individuals.
In the “Land Ethic,” Leopold said, “It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relationship
[with land] can exist without love, respect, admiration, and a high regard for its value.” Most
importantly, my motivation is my duty (ethics.) I think if we do the right thing that the beauty
will come from that.
When I In thinking about my “land ethic,” it emanates primarily from a true interest in
non-human elements. I say this because I am a huge animal lover-sometimes more than people.
I think the Land Ethic was a very useful exercise to do because some very interesting
points were brought up about human nature and things we should be doing that we are not. I
would prefer to read an updated version because the language was old. Reading the Land Ethic
did not change my opinions, I think it gave me opinions. I would recommend this essay to others.
What I least liked about the essay was the language but I think it was written well, what I really
liked best was the quotation “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.”