How humans are economicly rational but not ecologicly rational - Essay Example

Human beings are also more concerned with how to consume goods without destroying the systems that support life. From this argument, it is warranted to argue that human beings are directed towards self satisfaction over societal welfare. Princen argues that individuals in the society need improved ecological systems that will support economical use of resources in the society. However, most individuals do not seem to have a keen interest in the well being of the environment, like abundant soils, water, or even means of food production.

On the other hand, individuals believe in the growth of economic systems that would allow them have a productive and sensible life in the society. In any case, individuals are more concerned with their lives in the society, and how they are going to gain economically. In as much, humans are more concerned with the economical, Princen (pp.76) argues that destruction of the sources of income would reduce the society to an unproductive place. In this context, therefore, Princen presents a situation that gives individuals an option of either choosing to destroy the sources of production, or maintaining a sustainable society.

He continues to argue that obliterating the sources of income would mean that the identity of the society would be destroyed completely. Princen (pp.76) as an adherent of sustainable environment, states that the environment is separate from human beings, and must be managed if it has to be utilized to the maximum. Individuals must attempt to utilize the ecological resources to the fullest, if they have to attain economical sustainability. Human beings cannot be alienated form nature. Their practices determine whether the society will be sustainable or unsustainable.

Sustainability should ensure that the environment is reliable ecologically. He continues to argue that the existing economic system depends on continuous production and maintenance of the sources of energy that in turn lead to economically sustainable environments. In his work, Princen (pp.71) indicates that sustainability is a collective effort by all individuals in the society. Sufficiency deals with environmental sustainability. This means that individuals will have to conduct activities in intensities that satisfy them, careful not to over exploit resources.

In this context, therefore, sustainability and sufficiency is attainable. Sufficiency works on the grounds that structures must be put in place so that, human beings will not rely on their own perceptions to recognize need for sustainability. Princen (pp.73) continues to argue that by having enough does not necessarily mean that individuals are sacrificing too much. Instead, this is the first step towards a sustainable environment. Individuals must have behavioral instincts that allow them act towards what is suitable and sustainable for the environment.

He condemns the fact that most individuals focus much on their economic suitability, not considering the fact that the environment is the source of their economic prosperity. He continues to argue, that spotlight is more inclined to what suits them, as individuals, alienating the society’s welfare. He compares selfish ambitions of personal gain to person that does not consider the future. In as much, that individuals put their economic needs at the peak of their scales of preferences, the future may turn