Garrett Hardin
Garrett Hardin
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Garrett James Hardin was a renowned American ecologist, conservationist, and philosopher.
Birth and Death Dates
Hardin was born on March 21, 1915, in Dallas, Texas. He passed away on September 14, 2003, at the age of 88.
Nationality and Profession(s)
As an American by birth, Hardin's nationality remained unchanged throughout his life. Professionally, he held various roles as a teacher, researcher, and author, with a primary focus on ecology and conservation.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Hardin developed a deep appreciation for the natural world from an early age. His father, who owned a small ranch, instilled in him a sense of responsibility towards the land and its inhabitants. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future career as a pioneer in environmentalism.
Major Accomplishments
Hardin's work spanned multiple disciplines, including ecology, biology, philosophy, and social science. Some of his notable achievements include:
Developing the concept of the Tragedy of the Commons, which posits that when resources are shared by a group, each individual will act in their own self-interest, leading to overexploitation and degradation of those resources.
Serving as the president of the American Ecological Society (now known as the Ecological Society of America) from 1970-71.
Receiving numerous awards for his contributions to science and conservation, including the Rachel Carson Award.Notable Works or Actions
Hardin authored several influential books, including:
"The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968): A seminal paper that introduced the concept of overpopulation and resource depletion.
* "Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor" (1974): A thought-provoking essay that sparked controversy and debate on global poverty and aid.
Impact and Legacy
Hardin's work has had a lasting impact on various fields, from ecology to social science. His ideas continue to influence contemporary discussions on environmental degradation, overpopulation, and resource management.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Garrett Hardin is widely remembered for his bold and often provocative ideas on the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. His work serves as a reminder that individual actions have collective consequences, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of our planet's resources.
Quotes by Garrett Hardin
Religious reasons, which is no reason. I notice Skeptic had a review of Dennett’s book, Darwin’s Dangerous Idea. Religious reasons amount to what Dennett terms “skyhooks.” Do you believe in skyhooks? I don’t.
In a finite world this means that the per capita share of the world’s goods must steadily decrease.
It takes five years for a willing person’s mind to change. Have patience with yourself and others when treading in an area protected by a taboo.
In a competitive world of limited resources, total freedom of individual action is intolerable.
Society does not need more children; but it does need more loved children. Quite literally, we cannot afford unloved children - but we pay heavily for them every day. There should not be the slightest communal concern when a woman elects to destroy the life of her thousandth-of-an-ounce embryo. But all society should rise up in alarm when it hears that a baby that is not wanted is about to be born.