Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

What does 'Touch the earth lightly' mean?

Does it mean humans should reduce their impact on the ecosystem, so like using renewable energy sources so less harmful gases are emitted?

Reply 1

the bear

it sounds like advice from Gardeners' Question Time :s-smilie:

Reply 2

dont know it

Original post by the bear

it sounds like advice from Gardeners' Question Time :s-smilie:

Not quite sure what that is haha. Was referring to what Aarne Naess said.

Reply 3

username2613789

no clue what it means out of context, but it sure sounds deep

Reply 4

dont know it

Original post by tremen222

no clue what it means out of context, but it sure sounds deep

The argument is that all life has intrinsic value and humans aren't more important than any other species. One of Aarne Naess's points was that the humans need to reduce their impact on the planet.

Reply 5

MiszShorTea123

Original post by dont know it

The argument is that all life has intrinsic value and humans aren't more important than any other species. One of Aarne Naess's points was that the humans need to reduce their impact on the planet.

Carbon footprint? 🤔

Reply 6

username2613789

Original post by dont know it

The argument is that all life has intrinsic value and humans aren't more important than any other species. One of Aarne Naess's points was that the humans need to reduce their impact on the planet.

It means exactly what you think it means then, that when we use the resources of the Earth, we should minimise our impact, and tread carefully: it is only one fragile world for all of us to live in, and every species as well.

The statement sets out a categorical imperative, and almost a challenge as well, to treat the Earth metaphorically as a mother would treat her child: to nourish it, to relish in it and to develop within it and for it.

Reply 7

Prefect1992

Good morrow fine sir

I do believe that this quote is indeed intended to mean that either one should be rather considerate in the given circumstances or one should consider one's impact upon the earth.

It is perhaps a reference to the mass consumption of natural resources that has occurred as a result of population increase.