Living Within Limits

Ecology, Economics, and Population Taboos

Garrett Hardin

Book Synopsis

"Living Within Limits" by Garrett Hardin is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's interactions with the finite resources of our planet. Hardin, known for his groundbreaking work in ecology and population ethics, challenges the prevailing belief that technological progress alone can enable unlimited growth.

In this succinct book, Hardin argues that unrestricted population growth and the relentless pursuit of consumption are unsustainable and detrimental to both our collective well-being and the environment. Through compelling examples and scientific evidence, he demonstrates the tragic consequences of exceeding the carrying capacity of our planet, highlighting issues such as overpopulation, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.

Hardin argues that the pursuit of common good requires recognizing the necessity of limits. Drawing upon concepts like tragedy of the commons and mutual coercion, he proposes a shift towards a sustainable society that respects natural boundaries and embraces responsible choices. Hardin also delves into the implications of these ideas for ethical decision-making, public policy, and the preservation of future generations.

"Living Within Limits" serves as a wake-up call to individuals, policymakers, and society as a whole, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with nature and to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Hardin's lucid prose and logical reasoning make this book an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing our planet.

Through "Living Within Limits," Garrett Hardin offers a powerful critique of the prevailing ideology of infinite growth, providing a timely and profound exploration of the limits that we must acknowledge and respect if we are to create a sustainable and thriving future for humanity.

Explore More Books

See All
Focus
The Prophet
Masters of Doom
The Professor in the Cage
Life on the Edge
Waiting for Godot
Lateral Thinking
The Sketchbooks of Chris Wilkinson
Work Hard. Be Nice.
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Big World, Small Planet
Where The Wild Things Are
Eating to Extinction
The Spectator
One Monster After Another
Wonderworks
Tragedy and Hope
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
A Brief History of Time
Rick and Morty Book One
Black Flags
Pale Rider
Hooked
For The Love Of Physics
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
The Man Who Invented Fidel
The Cost Of Hope
America's War for the Greater Middle East
Chaos
The Celestine Prophecy
Between The World And Me
She Said
Plagues and Peoples
How The West Grew Rich
Competing Against Luck
Consolations
Survival to Thrival
Mother of God
Believe Me
These Truths
Gay Like Me
Dealers of Lightning
Lake Success
The Holy Bible
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Bend The Curve
The Price We Pay
Broken Money
Setting The Table
Fallout
Race and Culture
Snow Crash
The Fabric of Reality
Mismatch
Origins of Political Order
Diffusion of Innovations
Frisco Kid
The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History
Margin of Safety
The Social Animal
Mohammed and Charlemagne
Contrarian Investment Strategies
Hit Men
No Easy Day
Every Life Is On Fire
Creativity, Inc.
Graphs, Maps, Trees
The Sports Gene
Wake Up: Why The World Has Gone Nuts
Fast Food Nation
The Third Pillar
Parents Who Lead
Lean Thinking
Consciousness Medicine
Hidden Potential
Why Wages Rise
Lord of Light
Creating Shareholder Value
Beating The Street
The Soul of A New Machine
The Jungle Grows Back
The Breakthrough
Tao Te Ching
Count Down
The Snow Leopard
UFO Hunters
The Rise of Superman
The Best We Could Do
Lean Solutions
Mindset
Founding Brothers
Fortune's Formula
Zoning Rules!
Working Backwards
Foundation's Edge
Clearing The Air
Super Maker
Resistance (At All Costs)
Hold 'em Poker
Science and Method