Exploitation of the natural world/environment

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According to Aldo Leopold, BIGGER (as in exploitation of the natural world/environment) isn’t BETTER if nature is degraded by it, because nature is valuable to humans in other ways, including an ESTHETIC one, and if we study nature, we can learn valuable lessons from it,
because it is not a COMMODITY to be used but a COMMUNITY to which we belong. We must CONSERVE it and treat it ETHICALLY because we are also liked to it SPIRITUALLY. We need wilderness, and ethical/ecological CONSERVATION is the way to manage it
sustainably.
The essays read for and discussed in class illustrate these points, viz,:
“Home Range,” “January Thaw,” and “The Geese Return” are Leopold’s physical and mental ramblings while studying animal behavior.
“Smoky Gold” and “Alder Fork” deal with the esthetics of hunting and fishing, while “Thinking Like a Mountain” talks about the dangers of not hunting ecologically.
“Axe-in-Hand” reflects on his woodlot and the subjective methods by which he manages it, and also goes into some ecological concepts. “A Mighty Fortress” returns to the woodlot and shows how plant diseases can help animal species.
“Marshland Elegy” mourns the “death” of a wetland due to human stupidity and the effect of that on cranes, which he thinks are magnificent. “Illinois Bus Trip” argues and gives examples of how modem, “scientific” conservation practices are contradictory and foolish because they see land only as a commodity to be exploited. “Odyssey” shows how an ecosystem works, AND how the White Man’s way of doing things is unnatural and destructive.
Aldo Leopold has a philosophy about nature, which he explains through his writings, and tries to persuade us that it is valid. ESSAY QUESTION TWO: How persuasive is he? To answer this, write a critical analysis–think critically about (analyze and evaluate) his arguments and give your opinions about them. Things to consider: is he more persuasive about some things than others? Are some of his arguments and illustrations too technical, poetic and/or obscure?

Sample Solution

Aldo Leopold’s philosophy about nature is one that emphasizes the importance of conservation and the need to treat nature ethically. He argues that nature is not simply a commodity to be exploited, but rather a community to which we belong. As such, we have a moral obligation to protect it.

Leopold’s essays are persuasive in a number of ways. First, he writes in a clear and engaging style that makes his arguments easy to follow. Second, he uses a variety of evidence to support his claims, including personal anecdotes, scientific research, and historical examples. Third, he appeals to the reader’s emotions by painting vivid pictures of the natural world and its inhabitants.

One of the most persuasive aspects of Leopold’s writing is his emphasis on the aesthetic value of nature. He argues that nature is beautiful and inspiring, and that we should value it for its own sake, not just for the resources it provides. In his essay “Smoky Gold,” he describes the beauty of a mountain stream and the feeling of peace and contentment he experiences while fishing there. He writes:

The beauty of the stream cannot be measured in terms of the fish it contains. It is a thing of the spirit, to be enjoyed for its own sake.

Leopold also argues that nature can teach us valuable lessons about how to live. In his essay “Thinking Like a Mountain,” he describes how he learned to respect the balance of nature while studying the behavior of wolves. He writes:

When we see a mountain, we see a solid, unchanging mass of rock. But to the wolf, it is a living, breathing community of plants and animals.

Leopold’s arguments for conservation are also persuasive. He warns of the dangers of overexploitation and the importance of maintaining a diversity of species. In his essay “Marshland Elegy,” he mourns the loss of a wetland due to human development and its impact on the crane population. He writes:

A crane is a symbol of our heritage, a link with the wild places that once were abundant. When we destroy a wetland, we destroy a part of ourselves.

Leopold’s essays are not without their flaws. Some of his arguments can be seen as sentimental or idealistic. For example, he suggests that we should all develop a personal relationship with the land, which may not be possible for everyone. Additionally, some of his illustrations are too technical or poetic for some readers.

However, despite these flaws, Leopold’s essays remain persuasive because they are based on a deep understanding of nature and a genuine love for the natural world. His writing is both informative and inspiring, and it challenges us to think about our relationship with nature in a new way.

Here is a more detailed analysis of some of Leopold’s essays:

  • Home Range: In this essay, Leopold describes his observations of the behavior of various animals, including deer, foxes, and wolves. He argues that all animals have a home range, which is an area that they defend from other members of their species. He also discusses the importance of habitat for wildlife.
  • January Thaw: This essay describes Leopold’s experiences while studying the behavior of wolves. He argues that wolves are intelligent and social animals, and that they play an important role in the ecosystem.
  • The Geese Return: This essay is a meditation on the migration of geese. Leopold uses this phenomenon as an example of the interconnectedness of life. He argues that we have a responsibility to protect the habitats of migratory animals.
  • Smoky Gold: This essay is a reflection on the beauty of nature and the feeling of peace and contentment that it can evoke. Leopold describes his experiences fishing in a mountain stream.
  • Alder Fork: This essay is a defense of hunting and fishing. Leopold argues that hunting and fishing can be ethical and sustainable activities. He also discusses the importance of respecting the animals that we hunt and fish.
  • Thinking Like a Mountain: This essay is a warning about the dangers of overexploitation of nature. Leopold argues that we must learn to see the world through the eyes of other animals in order to understand the impact of our actions on the environment.
  • Axe-in-Hand: This essay is a reflection on Leopold’s management of his woodlot. He discusses the importance of balance and diversity in the ecosystem. He also argues that we should manage nature with respect and humility.
  • A Mighty Fortress: This essay is about the importance of plant diseases in the ecosystem. Leopold argues that plant diseases help to control populations of herbivores and to promote the growth of new plants.
  • Marshland Elegy: This essay is a lament for the loss of a wetland due to human development. Leopold describes the beauty of the wetland and the wildlife that once thrived there. He also discusses the importance of wetlands for flood control and water purification.
  • Illinois Bus Trip: This essay is a critique of modern conservation practices. Leopold argues that these practices are too focused on economics and not enough on

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