some years ago, i a novice to environmentalism had one of those aha! moments reading about three ways in which human beings (society) relate to the nature: 1) the nature as the object/resource to use, 2) the nature as the object to protect from human disruptions and extractions, and 3) the nature as the environment in which human beings (can and should) exist as its organic part. the author observed the native amazonians have lived as part of the nature for a long long time while the "civilized" societies miserably failed in "managing the nature from the 1) and 2) perspectives". mother nature including the micro-biological world continues to prove to be infinitely more complex and intricate than what human engineering can imagine, manage, change, or improve.
Interesting. Unfortunately, we are a very destructive species.
I personally do not view the "exploitation" of animals for food and clothing as bad in and of themselves. What is bad is the cynical exploitation of animals for profit.
I once experimented with vegetarianism, but abandoned it. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with eating meat. We are not the only species to do that. Similarly, I don't think there is anything wrong with drinking cows milk and eating cheese and eggs.
The key for me is attitudinal. Food is a gift of nature and to be respected.
consumption or the way of life can and should be need-based as opposed to profit-driven, i'm sure you agree. i suspect the natives like amazonians eat whatever they find (and maybe cultivate in their own way) in their environment. i'm a lifetime (since 6yo) vegetarian but it's my personal taste, not a philosophical or moral stand.
some years ago, i a novice to environmentalism had one of those aha! moments reading about three ways in which human beings (society) relate to the nature: 1) the nature as the object/resource to use, 2) the nature as the object to protect from human disruptions and extractions, and 3) the nature as the environment in which human beings (can and should) exist as its organic part. the author observed the native amazonians have lived as part of the nature for a long long time while the "civilized" societies miserably failed in "managing the nature from the 1) and 2) perspectives". mother nature including the micro-biological world continues to prove to be infinitely more complex and intricate than what human engineering can imagine, manage, change, or improve.
Interesting. Unfortunately, we are a very destructive species.
I personally do not view the "exploitation" of animals for food and clothing as bad in and of themselves. What is bad is the cynical exploitation of animals for profit.
I once experimented with vegetarianism, but abandoned it. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with eating meat. We are not the only species to do that. Similarly, I don't think there is anything wrong with drinking cows milk and eating cheese and eggs.
The key for me is attitudinal. Food is a gift of nature and to be respected.
consumption or the way of life can and should be need-based as opposed to profit-driven, i'm sure you agree. i suspect the natives like amazonians eat whatever they find (and maybe cultivate in their own way) in their environment. i'm a lifetime (since 6yo) vegetarian but it's my personal taste, not a philosophical or moral stand.