Summary of Island Civilization

In Island Civilization: A Vision for Human Occupancy of Earth in the Fourth Millennium,  Roderick Frazier Nash is trying to encourage his readers that his ideals are reasonable and beneficial. In a big portion of his essay, Nash states his opinion regarding the civilization growing beyond its limits. Nash also has quotes from famous theologians who point out facts that strengthen his argument about environmental issues. He combines facts and quotes to help confirm his opinion.

 Roderick’s idea of what the Earth will be like in the fourth millennium is somewhat frightening. I believe that his main intention is to promote his audience to imagine the possibilities that lies ahead of the world. Things could go well for Earth if humans decide to take the initiative to be responsible for their actions and help bring the world back to its, somewhat, original state. Things could also go wrong if humans continue to take advantage of planet Earth.

An important concept, in my opinion, that Nash speaks on is how humans have been bad neighbors to the world. We are all just organisms (that being humans, animals, nature, etc) that have to learn to coexist with each other and the humans are taking their newly- found authority out of hand. By “newly-found authority” I mean it has been until the recent millennium that humans have begun to use technology to try and prevent Earth for what its purpose is; destroy and renew. “Growth confused with process” is the perfect way to describe the ignorance humans have had for Earth. We, mankind, have been selfish and only mainly developing things that will benefit us, not the world. Over populated the world with humans, buildings, highways isn’t progress.  

Roderick Nash says that humans are becoming a danger to the environment mainly with overproduction, increasing populations, and war. He is trying to prove that if humans were able to live centuries ago without the technology and other mundane things then when why can’t we survive without all of the technology in this century. I, too, believe that we are our own enemies and while we are trying to be prosperous, we are killing ourselves at the same time.

Although I do understand what Nash says about humans needing to adjust their ways in order for the world to have a chance at life, I also believe that is his proposal is asking too much from mankind. I’m not saying that restoring the world can’t be done, but there would have to be a lot of changes and sacrifices. For example, the government should stop clearing so much land for highways and building. Humans have survived this long without it, so why do something about it now? It’s like a child and candy. A baby isn’t born knowing what candy is because candy is introduced to the child as it becomes able to understand that it is good and enjoyable. Candy is not a necessity to a child just as sidewalks, highways, and shopping centers aren’t a necessity to mankind. The “Island Civilization” that Nash speaks of will need humans to oblige and to change their ways.