Yard Sale Treasure
March 17th, 2009
Our family had a big yard sale at my parents over the weekend. My dad had many books to sell, and while I was looking through some of them, I found one that caught my eye. Here is page 1.
“Two hundred years ago, the United States of America was comprised of 2.5 million people and nearly 1 million square miles of land. Our country seemed an indefinite expanse of natural resources.
Today, the United States of America encompasses over 3.5 million square miles, and numbers 215 million people. Although we remain one of the most fortunate nations on Earth, our natural endowment is deteriorating.
The growth of our population and the expansion of American technology demonstrate that there are limitations to our natural riches. The industrial concept of man as master of an inexhaustible world for his convenience is giving way to an ecological concept of man as caretaker of limited resources that must be protected.
Since the adoption of the National Environmental Policy Act, Americans have made measurable progress in safeguarding, nurturing, and redeeming our natural heritage. Many other countries have joined in recognizing that misuse and irresponsible exploitation of the globe threaten the well-being of humanity. Yet, progress has been neither even nor universal.
A higher consciousness—even spiritual awareness—must evolve if humanity is to live in harmony with nature. We are grateful that the process of awakening has started.
In this first year of our third century, I am optimistic that growing American recognition of the respect and reverence that we must accord to Earth, water and air will light the way to a new era. We must and will pass on to future Americans the magnificent legacy of nature as well as our cherished heritage of political freedom.”
The book is Environmental Quality—1976 with the introduction by President Gerald R. Ford.
–Mark Alvis