Garrett Hardin Quotes
- Ecologist
- USA
- 1915
Garrett Hardin (1915-2003) was an American ecologist and philosopher best known for his influential essay, “The Tragedy of the Commons” (1968). He argued that individuals acting independently and rationally according to each one’s self-interest behave contrary to the common good of…Read More
Garrett Hardin (1915-2003) was an American ecologist and philosopher best known for his influential essay, “The Tragedy of the Commons” (1968). He argued that individuals acting independently and rationally according to each one’s self-interest behave contrary to the common good of all, and proposed that the only solution is for individuals to cooperate and sacrifice for the benefit of the whole. His other works include “Exploring New Ethics for Survival” (1972), “Living Within Limits” (1993), and “The Ostrich Factor: Our Population Myopia” (1999). Hardin’s work has had a lasting impact on the fields of ecology, population ethics, and environmentalism.Read Less
Garrett Hardin (1915-2003) was an American ecologist and philosopher best known for his influential essay, “The Tragedy of the Commons” (1968). He argued that individuals acting independently and rationally according to each one’s self-interest behave contrary to the common good of all, and proposed that the only solution is for individuals to cooperate and sacrifice for the benefit of the whole. His other works include “Exploring New Ethics for Survival” (1972), “Living Within Limits” (1993), and “The Ostrich Factor: Our Population Myopia” (1999). Hardin’s work has had a lasting impact on the fields of ecology, population ethics, and environmentalism.
21 Best Garrett Hardin Quotes
Garrett Hardin Career Highlights
- Garrett Hardin was an American ecologist and philosopher, best known for his work on the concept of the “tragedy of the commons.”
- He received his PhD in microbiology from Stanford University in 1941 and went on to teach at various universities, including the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Hardin was a prolific writer, publishing over 300 articles and 11 books throughout his career.
- He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Crafoord Prize in Biosciences in 1975.
Key Contributions by Garrett Hardin
- Hardin’s most famous contribution to the field of ecology is his concept of the “tragedy of the commons,” which states that individuals acting in their own self-interest will ultimately deplete shared resources.
- He also made significant contributions to the fields of population control and environmental ethics.
- Hardin was a strong advocate for limiting population growth and believed that overpopulation was the root cause of many environmental problems.
- He was also a vocal critic of the idea of “sustainable development,” arguing that it was impossible to achieve in a world with finite resources.
What Sets Garrett Hardin Apart
- Hardin’s work on the “tragedy of the commons” has had a lasting impact on the fields of ecology and environmentalism.
- He was known for his controversial and often provocative views, which sparked debate and discussion among his peers and the general public.
- Hardin’s writing style was clear and accessible, making his ideas and arguments easily understandable to a wide audience.
- He was also known for his interdisciplinary approach, drawing on concepts from biology, economics, and philosophy in his work.
Takeaways
- Garrett Hardin was a highly influential figure in the fields of ecology and environmentalism.
- His concept of the “tragedy of the commons” continues to be studied and debated by scholars and policymakers.
- Hardin’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the long-term consequences of individual actions on shared resources.
- He remains a controversial figure, but his contributions to the understanding of human impact on the environment cannot be denied.