Garrett Hardin Quotes
A collection of quotes by Garrett Hardin.
Garrett Hardin (1915-2003) was an American ecologist, biologist, and writer, best known for his influential work on the concept of the tragedy of the commons. Born in Dallas, Texas, Hardin earned his Ph.D. in microbiology at Stanford University in 1941. He later taught biology and ecology at several prestigious universities, including Stanford, University of California, and UC Santa Barbara.
Hardin's most notable contribution, the tragedy of the commons, was published in the journal Science in 1968. In this influential essay, he argued that when a commonly owned resource is accessible to all individuals, each person's self-interest would eventually lead to its degradation or overuse. This concept challenged the prevailing belief in the power of human altruism, emphasizing the need for collective action and regulation to manage shared resources sustainably.
Throughout his career, Garrett Hardin engaged in debates on population ethics, global sustainability, and the ethics of reproductive choices. He tackled controversial subjects, such as the ethics of famine relief and immigration, as well as advocating for limitations on human population growth. His views often sparked heated discussions, and he is recognized as a key figure in the field of environmental ethics.
Garrett Hardin authored numerous books and articles, including "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968) and "Living Within Limits: Ecology, Economics, and Population Taboos" (1993). His works continue to provoke discussions and shape environmental policies worldwide.
