Island Civilization

Roderick F. Nash creates a vision of life on earth in the 4^th Millennium. The vision responds to concerns Jared Diamond raises in his book titled Collapse. Diamond suggests that humans are not exempt from environmental problems such as ecological disaster or social disintegration. Throughout history, the human species farmed land to cultivate crops, built fences to contain animals, and created technology which destroyed rather than preserved the “wilderness.” Additionally, railroads, freeways, and dams have left the wilderness in more danger. According to the article, “0nly about two percent of the contiguous forty eight states is legally wild, and the same amount is paved.” It was in 1890 when the Census Bureau declared the wilderness no more and Americans began to believe the wilderness should be treasured and protected.

            Looking toward the 4^th Millennium there are several theories on the future of the world that humans evolved. The wasteland scenario, the garden scenario, future primitive, and island civilizations are possibilities for the future world.

            Nash concentrates on island civilization. His belief is that island civilization is a strategy which allows the occupation of all species on the planet to live peacefully together.

            Nash’s island civilization involves compromises to human freedom. Both human population and human living space must be restrained. In Nash’s words, “bigger is not always better.” The island civilization scenario would create boundaries for humans. As a result, other species will be able to move out of their “corners” and war will be a thing of the past. Yet, humans will be more compacted without their boundaries of fences. Thus, hunting and gathering lifestyles will emerge in history again.

            In my opinion, it is time for humans to be good neighbors on our planet. I agree with Nash; an island civilization seems to be the best scenario from the four options if our world is to survive. I do believe the scenario may take hundreds of years to complete. However, we can begin by doing small things. We can cut fewer trees and reduce land, air, and water pollution. Technology could be used in ways which will better benefit our society. For example, transportation could be developed which reduces the amount of gas and oil needed. Another example may be to build high rise apartment units rather than single homes; better use of land could be acquired. The land preserved would be of benefit to other species in the ecosystem.

            Quite frankly, Americans have grown to be accustomed to the ownership of land and possessions. The giving up of land and possessions, as well as the conveniences of grocery stores and cell phones will be difficult for the American. A very wise man by the name of Wallace Stegner states that, “We are the most dangerous species of life on the planet, and every other species, even the earth itself, has cause to fear our power to exterminate. But we are also the only species which, when it chooses to do so, will go to great effort to save what it might destroy.” If Stegner’s thoughts are correct, then the human species, regardless of the loss of land and possessions, will live in island civilizations to preserve and save a planet of many species.