THE LAND ETHIC

"All ethics so far evolved rest upon a single premise: that the
individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts...
The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to
include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the
land." [p.239]

"A land ethic of course cannot prevent the alteration, management, and
use of these 'resources', but it does affirm their right to continued
existence, and, at least in spots, their continued existence in a
natural state.

In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror
of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies
respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the community as
such." [p.240]

"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." [p.262]

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Aldo Leopold. 1949. "A Sand County Almanac". Oxford University Press,
New York. ISBN 0-345-34505-3