Name: Guy Penney
Course: Ed 870
Instructor: Dr. Carol Fulton
Assignment: Introductory Reading One (summary)
Date: July 7, 2008
Summary and response to Self-Realization: An Ecological Approach to Being in the
World. By Arne Naess.
This article explores how mankind has evolved over the past 2500 years and
how in this relatively short period of time numerous questions about our existence
have been pondered by many. The author of this article attempts to answer some of
these questions regarding our existence through the words of great men such as Gandhi
and Freud. One of the very first points made by Naess is that human nature is such that
it is unavoidable to identify ourselves with all living things. The author supports his
assertion with a story about his witnessing the death of another living thing. He
maintains that it was through his identifying with this living thing that he was able to
feel compassion.
The article continues with an exploration of the self. The author maintains the
need for “environmental ethics”; but within the context of a “widened and deepened
self”. This “self realization” ultimately will provide more joy and meaning in life. He
goes on to speak of the words and actions of Gandhi to explain this point. Gandhi’s
belief in non-violence was deeply rooted in awareness of a “widened and deepened
self”. He points out that Gandhi successfully co-existed with all living creatures and in
the process recognized the right of all living things to “live and blossom”. This was an
inclination on the part of Gandhi as a result of his self-realization. Gandhi’s eyes were
fully opened to the beauty of this earth and with it came a tremendous sense of being
able to identify with all other living things. I believe Naess chose the example of
Ghandi to make the point he expresses in his conclusion. Naess contends that
“extensive moralizing” surrounding ecological concerns have left the public with the
false belief that they are being “asked to sacrifice” and “show better morals”. He asserts
that this should be more about getting in touch with all that surround us; that which is
“something that is bigger than our own ego, something which has endured for millions
of years and is worth continued life for millions of years.” Naess goes on to point out
that this is all attainable within the context of a “widened and deepened self”; that
which Gandhi professed.
In his conclusion, Naess makes the point that most resonates with me. He
maintains that even though we may need to be reminded of our “ethical shortcomings”
occasionally; change is most likely to occur within an environment of encouragement
and awareness of one’s self. That being said, he closes with his definition of
community; namely the world community. It is this “world community” that faces
environmental challenges greater than ever before in the history of the planet. I often
thought of my environmental responsibilities in generational terms. I believed it was
my duty to contribute to improving the planet for my son’s generation. I realize now,
as a result of this article, that I have to think beyond just the next generation.
Furthermore, I have a duty to provide my son a strong sense of “self” so that he may
identify with all that is around him in this great world of ours.