Abstract
An integrative ecological conception of the activities in the world focuses upon areas of interaction. This emphasizes the complexity of interrelationships, much of which is beyond our current comprehension. Our ignorance demands our respect.
It is of heuristic value to regard any activity as a subsystem and determine the areas of interaction of that activity, to note its suprasystemic concerns and its costs. Does the measure of performance of the activity relate to and augment what is of greater ultimate value to us: human happiness and fulfillment? We need to note the true costs of activities. But these are not always known, and may be unknowable. We have few ways to envision the future potential uses of resources, whether human or otherwise. The future costs to ourselves and our children may very well be large unless we adopt a ‘caretaker’ approach to our resources. Our resources are precious and limited, sometimes irreplaceable and finite. They are gifts to be cherished and cared for, to ensure their lasting benefit for our existence.
All activities have functional limits; should these be exceeded, catastrophic disruptions occur. It is best for the humans and all other subsystems to live within their means in order to achieve greater stability and further viability. This remains a great task for us today.
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